Stephen A. Smith for President? The ESPN Star’s 2028 Hype Isn’t Just Talk Anymore

Stephen A. Smith for President? The ESPN Star's 2028 Hype Isn’t Just Talk Anymore

You’ve probably seen him shouting courtside opinions like gospel on First Take, schooling athletes and analysts alike with that signature blend of swagger, sharp takes, and unapologetic flair. But now? Stephen A. Smith’s not just gunning for NBA arguments—he’s teasing a real run for the White House in 2028. No, seriously. This isn’t just clickbait. It’s becoming a legitimate headline.

Let’s unpack what’s going on—and why a sports commentator might just be the next curveball in American politics.

“Time to Stop Messing Around” — Stephen A. Gets Political

It started with a tweet. Or, well, X post—whatever we’re calling it now. On April 10, 2025, Stephen A. dropped a bombshell: “Time to stop messing around.” No emojis. No filters. Just straight-up frustration, directed squarely at the political mess he sees boiling over in D.C.

Now, if you’ve followed him at all, you know Stephen A. isn’t shy. He’s criticized both major parties with a ferocity that feels—refreshing? He’s taken aim at the Democratic Party’s obsession with cancel culture and identity politics. He’s slammed Trump’s third-term ambitions (which, yes, are as eyebrow-raising as they sound) and questioned where basic constitutional loyalty has gone.

He’s not towing any party line. And oddly enough, that’s resonating.

From First Take to First Term? Don’t Laugh—He’s Polling Already

It may sound like something out of a late-night sketch, but polling numbers don’t lie. According to a recent survey by GOP pollster John McLaughlin—yes, the same guy who worked with Trump—Stephen A. Smith pulled 2% in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary. That’s above some actual politicians.

Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and a few others still outrank him, sure. But the fact that he’s even in the poll? That’s telling. Voters, especially younger ones, are clearly craving voices that feel unscripted and, more importantly, unbought.

Because let’s be honest—don’t most candidates start sounding like auto-generated statements after a while?

No Experience? Well, Neither Did a Lot of Presidents Lately…

Here’s where things get spicy. Critics will say: “But he’s just a sports guy. What does he know about foreign policy or inflation or… NATO?” Valid question. But ask yourself—how many people said the same about Ronald Reagan (actor), Donald Trump (real estate tycoon), or even Volodymyr Zelenskyy (literal comedian)?

Stephen A. argues his background as a commentator and debater actually gives him a leg up. He knows how to communicate. He knows how to argue. And he’s already got millions of Americans listening every single morning.

He’s not coming with a traditional résumé, but in this era, that might be his biggest strength.

Wait—Is He Actually Running? Or Just Testing the Waters?

That’s the million-dollar question. So far, Stephen A. hasn’t officially declared. He’s said, and we quote: “If I ever thought I could win, I would run.”

And that’s what makes this story so compelling. It’s not just some half-baked publicity stunt. The way he talks, the timing, even the people he’s surrounding himself with—it’s all starting to look… intentional.

Plus, if the election field stays as murky as it is now, there might be room for a wild-card contender. Someone who speaks in real talk, not rehearsed soundbites.

A Cultural Voice in a Political Vacuum

What’s wild is that Stephen A. Smith isn’t just famous. He’s trusted—even by people who don’t always agree with him. And trust? That’s political gold right now.

He’s the guy your dad watches religiously at breakfast. He’s the name you hear during NBA playoffs, yelling with enough passion to make your AirPods tremble. He knows how to hold a room. And in this media-saturated world, that’s half the battle.

But more than that, he reflects a certain kind of frustration that’s grown louder in America—especially among Gen Z and Millennials. They’re tired of political theater. They want bluntness. They want someone who’s not afraid to call things out, even when it’s unpopular.

Final Whistle? Not Quite. This Game’s Just Getting Started

Could Stephen A. Smith actually run for president in 2028? Absolutely. Could he win? That’s a different conversation. But here’s the thing—if the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that unpredictability is the new normal.

And if Smith does decide to throw his name into the ring, don’t be surprised if he starts out as a longshot and ends up on a debate stage, holding court like it’s the NBA Finals.

Because let’s face it—politics could use a little less jargon and a little more real talk.

You know what? Maybe Stephen A. Smith isn’t such a longshot after all.