Stephen A. Smith has never been shy about sharing his opinions, whether it’s sports, culture, or—lately—politics. But his latest media tour has people asking a serious question: Is he really running for president in 2028?
Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Smith didn’t exactly shut down the speculation. In fact, he leaned into it, teasing a potential bid while taking direct aim at the Democratic Party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
Fallon kicked off the conversation by pointing out the growing media coverage surrounding Smith’s potential run. The ESPN host initially played it off, joking, “Folks are nuts, number one.” But then, as he often does, he pivoted to a more serious take.
Adam Schiff posts bizarre “Message to Donald Trump” video:
“Elon Musk and Donald Trump, they call me a criminal. They call me a traitor. Their MAGA minions online come after me to try to create fear. I’ll tell you my response” —
“Screw you and the horse you rode in on!” pic.twitter.com/IhLeXdEGuA
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) March 7, 2025
“The Democratic Party, I mean, they’re lost. They had a bad few months. We all know this,” Smith said. “And even though there’s a lot of qualified Democrats all over the country from a local perspective—governors, mayors, stuff like that—there’s no real national voice. Enter moi. They’ve come to me.”
That’s a very interesting choice of words.
Smith insisted that he didn’t ask to be considered, saying he already has a “very, very, very good life.” But then came the line that turned heads:
“I don’t want to do this. But the fact that they’re talking about me this way, I must say, I approve this message.”
Fallon’s reaction—“Oh my God!”—perfectly captured the moment.
Smith’s comments highlight a growing problem within the Democratic Party: Who is their leader now?
With Joe Biden out of office and Vice President Kamala Harris losing to Trump in 2024, the party is facing a massive identity crisis. Traditional power players like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have struggled to gain national traction. The Democratic bench, once seen as deep, suddenly looks very shallow.
Enter Stephen A. Smith.
His appeal? He’s an outsider with national name recognition. He’s charismatic. He speaks bluntly. And unlike many career politicians, he actually connects with everyday people.
The problem? He’s not a politician. And that’s exactly what’s ruffling feathers within the Democratic establishment.
If there’s one person not amused by all this, it’s James Carville. The longtime Democratic strategist absolutely torched Smith on his War Room podcast, saying the sports broadcaster doesn’t “know his a– from a hole in the ground” when it comes to politics.
Kimmel mocks Dems’ cringey TikTok video: “What is that supposed to do besides embarrass everyone involved? … Maybe I’ll look into getting a medically-induced coma for the next four years as a way to sleep it out.” pic.twitter.com/7As5SWp8UH
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) March 7, 2025
“He’s on there running his g–damn mouth about how he may have to run as a Democrat, because there’s nothing left in the Democrat party, there’s no talent,” Carville ranted. “Stephen A, are you s—ing me?”
Carville’s outburst didn’t sit well with Smith, who fired back on his own podcast. He acknowledged that he’s not a political expert—but then turned the tables on Carville, suggesting that the Democrats’ arrogance might be exactly why they keep losing elections.
“I religiously say I am no political aficionado. I read, I watch the news, I am a conscientious observer,” Smith said. “But I do have to ask you a question, Mr. James Carville, albeit rhetorically. You do know that you are talking to a voter right? Could that be one of the reasons y’all lost?”
Then came the knockout punch:
“Because you sound like one of those old curmudgeons that want things to be the way that they used to be. And you are resentful, harboring an abundance of animosity because you are not being heard. That is not Stephen A. Smith’s fault, sir. That’s that damn Democratic Party that I was talking about.”
