Stephen A. for President? It's Not As Funny As You Think

Can you believe we’re already talking about the 2028 presidential race? While would-be candidates jockey for position, one surprising name being floated is ESPN sports commentator Stephen A. Smith.

Stephen A. for President? Is this a joke? Or is it genius? Hold your laughs until the end—because when you look a little closer, it might make more sense than you think.

Stephen A. Leaves the Door Open

This past weekend, Stephen A. appeared on ABC’s This Week to discuss the growing chatter about a potential run for president. While he didn’t outright commit, he made clear he’s listening. If no other qualified candidate steps up, he might just do it himself.

And this isn’t just ego talking. Stephen A. revealed he’s had conversations with prominent Democrats like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. According to Smith, unnamed elected officials have encouraged him to form an exploratory committee. He seems hesitant to wade into the toxic sludge of politics—but he’s not ruling anything out.

Carville Slams the Door Shut

Speculation about a Stephen A. candidacy has been bubbling for months—enough that it reached veteran Democratic strategist (and full-time curmudgeon) James Carville back in February.

Carville wasn’t having it. He dismissed the idea entirely, saying Stephen A. “doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground” when it comes to politics. He threw cold water on the notion and redirected attention to more traditional picks like Governor Josh Shapiro.

Message received: Stay in your lane, Stephen A.

Stephen A. Hits Back at Carville

But Stephen A. doesn’t exactly shy away from confrontation. He returned fire with his trademark style, pushing back against Carville’s gatekeeping. And while it might be easy to laugh off a candidacy from a TV pundit, it’s worth asking:

Is a Stephen A. Smith candidacy really that far-fetched?

Trump 2.0—But From the Left?

Let’s be honest: there are some surprising parallels between Stephen A. and former President Donald Trump. Both were outsiders with massive name recognition. Each tapped into populist frustrations with the political system. And, they were (and are) dismissed by party elites.

And both are excellent debaters with built-in audiences that listen to every word.

That said, Trump spent decades flirting with politics and navigating backroom deals. Stephen A. is a total political neophyte. His claim that he’d only need “a few weeks” to get up to speed is, frankly, laughable. The learning curve would be steep—and likely brutal.

But not impossible.

And let’s be real: the fact that his mere consideration of a run has already rattled the establishment? That’s a pretty good sign he’s touching a nerve.

When Stephen A. Talks, People Listen

This might be more than a viral soundbite—it could be the beginning of a cultural moment.

The Democratic Party is in flux. With figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and “The Squad” pulling the party leftward, there’s a noticeable absence of a centrist voice that speaks to everyday Americans.

Enter: Stephen A. Smith.

He’s not a partisan hack. He’s not a progressive ideologue. He speaks in plain terms, with intensity and common sense. That might be exactly what a lot of voters are craving. If he brings that energy into the political arena, he’ll shake up the system—and probably take fire from all sides.

But if there’s one thing Stephen A. can handle, it’s a good fight.

Stephen A. Smith may not be a politician—but in today’s climate, that might be his biggest asset.
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TL;DR

Stephen A. Smith isn’t ruling out a presidential run in 2028—and with a depleted Democratic field, a populist message, and a massive media platform, he could actually be a serious disruptor in the vein of a certain sitting President. Establishment voices like James Carville are already trying to shut it down. Stephen A. may not be a politician—but in today’s climate, that might be his biggest asset in an era of political outsiders, Ignore him at your own peril.

👉 What do you think? Would you support a Stephen A. run, or are the gatekeepers right to be worried? Sound off in the comments!