ESPN's prominent voice, Stephen A. Smith, recently sparked a flurry of speculation regarding a potential 2028 presidential bid. During his own show, he hinted at the possibility, citing the Democratic Party's perceived vulnerabilities and the ineligibility of Donald Trump to run again. However, Smith quickly clarified his position on "Hannity," asserting that he has no intention of seeking office. He emphasized his contentment with his current lifestyle and framed his earlier comments as a way to underscore a point about the political landscape.
Smith highlighted the current state of the Democratic Party, suggesting that without a strong frontrunner, a recognizable figure like himself could potentially be competitive. He referenced a January poll by McLaughlin & Associates showing Kamala Harris leading the Democratic field, followed by Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom. Interestingly, Smith himself garnered 2% in the poll, fueling his belief in his potential viability as a candidate.
Beyond the presidential speculation, Smith has been increasingly outspoken on political matters, particularly concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). He has publicly criticized Donald Trump's stance on DEI initiatives, specifically objecting to the notion that DEI policies promote the hiring of unqualified minority candidates. Smith reiterated this viewpoint on "Hannity," emphasizing his disagreement with the characterization of all DEI-associated individuals as unqualified. He further elaborated on his concerns regarding the Trump administration's rationale for eliminating DEI programs and dismissing employees involved in DEI-related work. Smith also touched upon Trump's suggestion that DEI standards within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may have played a role in a recent plane crash, a claim that Smith finds problematic.
