By Could the Democrats have found their version of Donald Trump? Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN broadcaster and media personality, has found himself at the center of an unexpected political discussion after his name appeared in early polling for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. While he has consistently downplayed the idea of launching a political career, he has also left the door slightly open, suggesting that if he believed he had a real shot at winning, he would at least consider running.
The unexpected revelation came from a poll conducted in late January by Republican pollster John McLaughlin, which found that 2 percent of Democratic primary voters would support Smith. Rather than seeing this as an endorsement of his own viability, Smith has interpreted it as a scathing indictment of the Democratic Party’s current state. Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, he expressed disbelief that his name was even being discussed in this context, arguing that it is a symptom of the party’s failure to cultivate a strong and compelling leadership bench, writes Mediate.
“If you’re the Democrats, that’s why Stephen A. Smith is in the news—because y’all don’t have anybody,” he said. “Who you got? Kamala Harris better not run. She better not run. She’s not going to win a presidency in 2028!” While Smith made it clear that he respects Harris, he pointed to her early exit from the 2020 Democratic primary as proof that she lacks the broad appeal necessary to lead a successful presidential campaign. He also took aim at President Joe Biden, arguing that he has failed to fulfill his role as a “transitional” leader for the party. Instead of preparing the next generation of Democratic leadership, Smith contends that Biden’s decision to seek re-election in 2024 has left the party fractured and uncertain about its future direction.
Smith’s criticisms of the Democratic Party are not new. Over the years, he has voiced concerns about the party’s diminishing influence and inability to rally voters in key elections by focusing on things like January 6 and responding to every criticism by calling the GOP “fascist” or some other name. During a past appearance on Pod Save America, he made the case that Democrats are at their weakest point in modern history. He pointed to their struggles in national races and their inability to generate widespread grassroots enthusiasm as evidence of their declining political strength.
In a conversation with Tommy Vietor, a former aide in the Obama administration, Smith challenged the idea that Republican obstructionism has been the primary barrier to Democratic success. When Vietor argued that Republicans had been just as combative against Barack Obama, Smith pushed back, insisting that the Democratic Party today is in far worse shape. He emphasized that former President Donald Trump—despite his polarizing nature—had been able to act decisively because Democrats lacked the political leverage to stop him effectively.
“This is bad, bro,” Smith said, responding to Vietor’s argument. “Never before has the Democratic Party been this damaged.”
Smith believes that if Democrats want to be competitive in 2028, they must put forward a candidate who has both political credibility and cultural appeal, noted The Daily Beast. He stressed that the party cannot afford to rely on uninspiring establishment figures and must instead seek out leaders who can energize voters and project real strength. While he acknowledged that it is still early, he suggested that Maryland Governor Wes Moore could be a viable contender, given his ability to connect with different voter demographics. However, Smith made it clear that the party’s struggles go beyond any single candidate.
“I believe it is an utter embarrassment to the Democratic Party that I am a candidate in people’s eyes for the presidency of the United States,” he said. “It’s an indictment against them, and they need to get their act together.”
His name appearing in the polls does not mean he is a serious candidate, but it does serve as a reflection of growing concerns among political observers and voters about the Democratic Party’s leadership vacuum. If the party does not take significant steps to address its challenges, it could find itself vulnerable in 2028, potentially facing another uphill battle in maintaining its relevance on the national stage.
