ESPN First Take host Stephen A. Smith took his flirtation with a presidential bid to a new level by hitting the Sunday morning political show circuit.
In an interview on ABC’s This Week, host Jon Karl questioned the ESPN star about whether he’s seriously considering a campaign for the White House.
“Are you really thinking about running for president?” Karl asked.
“Listen, I have no choice,” Smith replied. “Because I’ve had elected officials — and I’m not going to give their names — elected officials coming up to me. I’ve had folks who are pundits come up to me. I’ve had folks that got a lot of money, billionaires and others, have talked to me about exploratory committees and things of that nature. I’m not a politician. I’ve never had a desire to be a politician. I just signed a contract extension with ESPN. I am very, very happy with my day job … It’s a pretty damn good contract. I couldn’t be happier.
“But here’s the reality: Literally, people have walked up to me, including my own pastor for crying out loud, who has said to me, you don’t know what God has planned for you. At least show the respect to the people who believe in you, who respect you, who believe that you can make a difference in this country to leave the door open for any possibilities two to three years down the line. And that’s what I’ve decided to do.”
A poll in February put Smith at 2 percent in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary — which is a number roughly in line with what 2024 Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz pulls down and would likely qualify him for presidential debates early in the campaign.
Smith has been a vocal critic of the Democratic party — and said he relishes the prospect of potentially taking them on in a debate.
“I would hope somebody else would step up that’s more qualified than me, but if it has to come down to me, it is something I would consider,” Smith said. “Yes, I would, because I don’t mind the thought of tussling with these folks at all on the left or the right. All of them disgust me to be quite honest with you.
Watch above, via ABC.
