Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith on Monday said he would consider jumpstarting his career as a politician by campaigning for the presidency.
“You want to start as president of the United States?” Stephen Colbert asked on “The Late Show.”
“Why not?” Smith responded.
Smith has been a sports commentator for over two decades, which has included a series of contracts for shows on ESPN.
However, the Winston-Salem State University graduate has also recently drawn a political audience for his harsh criticism of both Democrats and Republicans through his podcast.
“I’m a registered Independent. I don’t like either party. And I think that part of the problems that exist, a large part of the problems that exist in this country, is because both sides have been so polarizing that it forces you, as an American citizen, if you out here busy busting your tail every day, trying to make ends meet, trying to pay, take care of your family, your loved ones, etc., etc., you don’t have the time to know all the intricate issues, all the integral issues,” Smith told Colbert.
Smith said lawmakers in Washington ignore policies and vote opposite from the opposing party on most measures.
“All you have to do is disagree with the other side. You don’t even have to look at the bill. You don’t even have to pay attention to the issues. What’s that side voting? We gone vote the other way because we don’t want to do anything they want to do. They don’t want to do anything we want to do,” Smith said.
“We want to do this polarization that takes place. The American citizens are used as pawns and take advantage of and I hate it. I detest it. And as a result, I say to myself, if I could leave the door open where I can have a voice and have an impact, I’m not scared. I’m not running. I would love to take some of these folks on, because I believe that what they have done is against the best interest of this country, and they need to be held accountable for it,” he added.
His comments come months ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and three years ahead of a vacancy in the White House. However, Smith shared his read on President Trump and explained why so many politicians may feel beholden to the leader.
“Trump has them in the palm of his hands. Why? Because he could snap his fingers. He could turn his base against them. They know it. They’re scared of it, and they want to be career politicians instead of actually getting things done. So, they’re at his mercy,” Smith said.
“Why? Because of his popularity and his ability to resonate with the masses. I resonate with the masses, I believe I can resonate with the masses. And so, that’s what it is. It’s not hard.”
Smith has teased a presidential bid before, saying in April he would “consider” a run.
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