Stephen A. Smith, the ESPN host known for his outspoken commentary, said in an interview with CBS's Sunday Morning that he has not dismissed the possibility of running for president in 2028. “I have no desire to be a politician, zero.… I have no desire to run for office,” Smith told CBS News’s Robert Costa, according to Deadline.

Despite his reluctance, Smith said he would consider a campaign to challenge candidates he believes are unfit to lead. “I’m 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.… The American people deserve to listen to and hear from somebody who genuinely cares about making life better for them instead of yourself,” he said.

Smith indicated he would run as a Democrat, citing his social-liberal views, though he described himself as fiscally conservative. “I can’t stand high taxes, but I’m a social liberal in the same breath because I believe in living and let live. I pay attention to the desolate and disenfranchised… Yes, I like strong borders.… We never needed open borders, but we don’t need it to be completely closed either,” he said.

Costa, reflecting on his time with Smith, compared the experience to observing Donald Trump before his 2016 campaign. “Many laughed at the prospect of a bid. But in an age of celebrity and social media…,” Costa wrote on X, highlighting the growing role public figures can play in political discussions.

Smith has previously hinted at the idea of running for president in past interviews, though each time he emphasized it was more hypothetical than a formal campaign plan. He has framed the discussion as a way to challenge the political establishment and draw attention to issues affecting everyday Americans, rather than signaling an imminent bid.

Smith’s remarks come amid speculation about 2028 candidates and the increasing intersection of celebrity influence and American politics.