Stephen A. Smith, a well-known television host at ESPN, is weighing the possibility of running for president, a prospect he touched upon during a recent interview.

Despite his established career in sports media, Smith opened up about the encouragement he's received to dive into the political arena, as the Daily Wire reports, suggesting that he may have little choice but to throw his hat into the ring for 2028.

During an appearance on ABC's This Week with Jonathan Karl, Smith revealed he has been approached by a variety of high-profile individuals who see him as a potential leader.

These include elected officials, wealthy entrepreneurs, political commentators, and even his pastor. This diverse array of supporters has planted the seed of a potential presidential bid in his mind, despite Smith's admission that he has never seen himself as a politician.

Encouragement from key figures spurs discussion

Smith emphasized that his primary focus remains his role at ESPN, where he recently extended his contract, reflecting his satisfaction with his current career.

Nevertheless, the persistent encouragement from influential figures has prompted him to keep an open mind about a future bid for office.

Smith conveyed his intentions to respect those who believe in his potential, acknowledging that the voices urging him to step onto the political stage cannot be ignored.

However, he stressed that any decision to run would not be immediate, hinting at a possible campaign two to three years down the line.

Smith contemplates new path

Acknowledging his lack of a political background, Smith still suggested that the prospect of entering the political scene might be worth exploring.

Smith's dissatisfaction with current political leadership is thought to resonate with voters across the spectrum.

Even though he recognized several Democratic Party leaders, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, as more qualified than himself for high office, Smith seemed open to the challenge.

Smith's commentary during the interview revealed his stance on political figures from both major parties, as he expressed his frustration with the current political climate.

He addressed rumors of his potential candidacy and the idea of challenging established figures, emphasizing that if it came down to necessity, he would not shy away from running.

Keeping options open

The discourse around Smith's potential candidacy turned to discussions regarding future election scenarios, including possible rematches featuring Donald Trump.

Smith reacted to a comment by Steve Bannon regarding non-political contenders, highlighting the constitutional importance of the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidential terms.

Expressing his disapproval of any attempts to bypass this amendment, Smith argued for the need to uphold constitutional integrity.

The potential for Smith's political entry raises numerous questions about his position on issues, his ability to mobilize support, and how his approach might resonate with the American public. Though his current career in sports broadcasting is fulfilling, the possibility of transitioning to politics is an intriguing narrative.

In summary, Smith's openness to the idea of running for office, fueled by encouragement from various sectors, reflects the broader discourse around non-traditional figures entering politics. While his journey into the political domain remains a matter of speculation, its mere consideration underscores a significant moment in his career.