Stephen A. Smith, the well-known commentator, recently dropped a bombshell about his potential 2028 presidential run, suggesting that racism isn’t “as prevalent as some on the left would like us to believe,” as reported by The Hill. This statement came during a Sunday interview, adding a fascinating twist to his already buzzy, albeit bizarre, contemplation of a White House bid.
Smith didn’t shy away from sharing his perspective on the issue, stating directly that while he knows racism exists and you can’t escape it, he doesn’t believe it’s as widespread as some might portray. He feels that most Americans are much more focused on judging individuals by their character rather than the color of their skin. It’s a pretty strong take, especially when we’re talking about a presidential race.
He elaborated on this, suggesting that voters aren’t really thinking about race when they head to the polls. Instead, he sees it as people having their own problems and wanting a president who genuinely cares about those issues. “It’s about the fact they don’t give a damn about it, because they got their own problems,” Smith explained. He believes this is a different scenario from decades ago, where people might have felt superior or tried to hold others back based on race.
Smith reiterated that in this day and age, for a lot of people, race just isn’t the primary factor in choosing a candidate
This perspective forms a cornerstone of his thinking as he mulls over a potential presidential campaign. He’s previously indicated that he wants to make a “profound impact on who the next president is going to be.” Smith also criticized President Trump for the delay in releasing the Epstein Files. It’s clear he’s got a vision for the political landscape, even if his own role in it remains a bit up in the air.
However, Smith’s potential political ambitions have hit a bit of a snag. He’s been open about loving his current career and isn’t willing to give up the financial benefits that come with it. This creates a fascinating dilemma for someone considering such a monumental career shift. You can’t really run for president while also hosting multiple shows, can you? It’s a balancing act that seems almost impossible.
Despite these conflicting feelings, he hasn’t ruled out a run for president, a stance he affirmed back in November and again recently. It really makes you wonder how serious he is about throwing his hat into the ring. On one hand, he’s talking about the core issues facing America and how voters perceive them. On the other, he’s holding onto his current lucrative career with both hands.
It’s a complex situation, and we’re all definitely keeping an eye on where he lands with these intriguing comments and presidential aspirations.
Published: Feb 18, 2026 12:00 pm