Top Democrat Weighs In on Stephen A. Smith’s 2028 White House Speculation
[Image: Stephen A. Smith speaking at an event]
Stephen A. Smith has sparked speculation about a 2028 presidential bid.
Top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries Reacts to Stephen A. Smith’s Potential 2028 Presidential Run
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has acknowledged ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith’s rising political profile amid chatter about a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Jeffries told DailyMail.com there’s “a lot to like” about Smith, who recently hinted at a White House bid, citing a hypothetical path to victory.
Smith’s political stock rose after a McLaughlin & Associates poll showed him outperforming several Democratic hopefuls in a mock 2028 primary. While Vice President Kamala Harris led with 33%, Smith secured 2%—more than Beto O’Rourke and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (both 1%). He trailed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (5%) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (3%), signaling surprising traction.
[Image: Hakeem Jeffries speaking at a podium]
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries called Smith “compelling” but stressed 2028 is “way off.”
Jeffries tempered expectations, calling 2028 “way off in the distance” but praised Smith: “He’s got a big megaphone, he’s a compelling communicator, and people gravitate toward him.”
Smith, known for his fiery ESPN commentary, has increasingly weighed in on politics. During a Super Bowl week interview with DailyMail.com, he admitted he’d “entertain” a run if he had a “legitimate shot” to win. “I believe I could beat every candidate on that poll—from Kamala Harris down to Pete Buttigieg and Tim Walz,” he said.
[Image: Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s ‘First Take’]
Smith’s debate-ready persona fuels speculation about his political future.
The 57-year-old emphasized financial security as a prerequisite: “I’m not going to the White House broke. I gotta have my money, my home, no concerns.” While he downplayed immediate plans, Smith didn’t rule out leveraging his media influence akin to figures like Sean Hannity or Rachel Maddow.
Smith’s political commentary has struck a chord. He recently told Bill Maher that Democrats “disrespected” voters by nominating Harris in 2024, contributing to Donald Trump’s victory. He also admitted regret for supporting her campaign, calling himself a “damn fool” given her struggles against Trump.
[Image: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at a 2024 debate]
Trump’s 2024 win over Harris reshaped the Democratic Party’s future prospects.
The McLaughlin poll signals an appetite for fresh faces in a post-Harris Democratic Party. Though Harris remains the frontrunner, Smith’s outsider appeal highlights grassroots frustration. His blunt style and name recognition—honed over decades in sports media—position him as a wildcard.
Jeffries’ measured endorsement reflects the party’s balancing act: embracing Smith’s charisma while avoiding premature 2028 jockeying. For now, Smith’s focus remains on ESPN, but his political flirtations hint at a broader cultural shift where media savvy rivals traditional political experience.
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[Image: Collage of Stephen A. Smith and the U.S. Capitol]
Could Smith transition from sports debates to presidential debates?
