Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith recently addressed the growing speculation about him potentially running for president. He made it clear that he has no intention of entering the race, stating that such discussions are merely a sign of the Democratic Party’s desperation to find a capable leader.
During a recent podcast, Smith emphatically declared, “I wanted to put this to bed once and for all… I have no intentions of running for the President of the United States.” However, he did leave a small door open, acknowledging that if he had a strong chance to win, he might consider it.
He pointed out that the reason he’s often in the news is that the Democrats don’t seem to have a solid candidate. “Who do they have?” he asked, explicitly mentioning that he hopes Kamala Harris will not run, signaling that she lacks the support to win.
Smith criticized Biden’s decision to run again without a primary process, suggesting that the Democratic Party is in disarray. He expressed concern over the absence of fresh leadership in the party and remarked, “When she ran for election on her own, she couldn’t make it to Iowa in 2020.” He also highlighted that the Democrats, at present, lack a significant voice, stating, “Dammit, lower than that. Down to the bottom. They suck right now.”
The commentator expressed support for more moderate candidates and voiced his skepticism regarding some prominent figures within the party, suggesting that they haven’t done enough to resonate with the American public.
Moreover, he pointed out that the political system, which often forces voters to choose between only two parties, is flawed. Instead of engaging in legal battles against Trump, Smith asserted that Democrats should work to genuinely earn the support of the public.
In a surprising twist, he extended an invitation to Republicans, encouraging them to join him on his show to discuss ideas. He made it clear that he doesn’t identify strictly with one side of the political aisle, acknowledging some centrist beliefs but also valuing conservative principles like free market capitalism and strong national security.
In conclusion, while Smith made clear he is not pursuing a presidential run, his comments shed light on the current political climate, particularly within the Democratic Party. He warned that if a credible candidate does not emerge, the party risks losing ground with voters in the upcoming elections.
