ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, who has floated running for president in 2028, has shut down talk of a potential bid for the Democratic nomination — and it’s all about money.
Smith hosts First Take on ESPN, as well as a sports talk show called The Stephen A. Smith Show and a politics and culture show called Straight Shooters with Stephen A. on SiriusXM.
The commentator has toyed with the idea of running for office in recent months, telling CNN’s Jake Tapper last May, “Do I believe I could win? You’re damn right.” Smith identifies as a centrist and a moderate, but told CBS News’ Sunday Morning in February that if he did run for office, he’d run as a Democrat.
But any talk from Smith about a career in Washington was just that — talk. When Fox News’ Sean Hannity asked the ESPN host about a potential 2028 presidential run on his new podcast, Hang Out with Sean Hannity, Smith gave an honest answer as to why he wouldn’t throw his hat in the ring.
Hannity said to Smith in a teaser clip posted to X on Monday, “I think it’s all bulls***. I don’t think you’re running. Am I right?”
“I don’t think I’m running either ‘cause I gotta give up my money. I ain’t giving up my money.”
Last September, The Athletic reported that Smith makes nearly $40 million a year. His salary includes $100 million over five years from ESPN and $36 million over three years for his SiriusXM gig, sources briefed on his contracts told the publication.
Smith did make clear to CBS News’s Sunday Morning in February that he has “no desire to be a politician, zero.” But he said he was “not ruling it out, because I’d love to be on the debate stages against some of these individuals that think they’re better suited to run the country.”
“Because I think that the American people deserve to listen to and hear from somebody who genuinely cares about making life better for them instead of yourself,” the EPSN host added.
Smith said he’s fiscally conservative, noting that he “can’t stand high taxes,” and socially liberal as he pays “attention to the desolate and disenfranchised.” He also has mixed views about immigration and border security.
“Yes, I like strong borders, that’s absolutely true. We never needed open borders, but we don’t need it to be completely closed, either. We are a gorgeous mosaic,” he told CBS News.
Among Smith’s fans who may be sad to hear he won’t launch a 2028 bid is President Donald Trump. Speaking at a NewsNation town hall last April, Trump called Smith a “good” and “smart” guy.
“I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him,” the president said. “I’ve been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates, and I will tell you, I’d love to see him run.”
