ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is pushing back on the notion — frequently peddled by left-wing pundits — that racism would be a decisive obstacle if he pursued the presidency.
In an extended interview with CBS News’ Robert Costa for “CBS Sunday Morning,” Smith dismissed the idea that racial prejudice would define a potential White House bid.
“Do you worry about racism if you ran for president?” Costa asked.
“No. I know it exists. I know that you can’t escape it, but I do not believe it is as prevalent as some on the left would like us to believe,” Smith answered. “I do believe a vast majority of Americans judge you on the content of your character, rather than the color of your skin.”
He continued:
I think a lot of people in America, especially in this day in age, now more so than ever before, it’s not about race. It’s about the fact they don’t give a damn about it, because they got their own problems.
That’s entirely different than believing they are superior to you and want to hold you back from ascending. That’s not what’s going on to the degree it was decades ago.
Smith’s remarks reflect a view shared by many Americans across the political spectrum: that kitchen-table concerns—such as inflation, border security, crime, and foreign policy—matter far more to voters than identity politics. His comments also stand in contrast to the dominant narrative among some progressive activists who argue that systemic racism remains the defining force in American political life.
If elected in 2028, Smith would become the second Black president, twenty years after Barack Obama’s historic victory in 2008. But Smith made clear he does not see race as the defining issue of a potential campaign. Instead, he suggested that Americans are more focused on leadership, competence, and policy.
His name has increasingly surfaced in early speculation about the 2028 race, particularly as public trust in traditional political figures remains shaky. During the same CBS interview, Smith indicated he is seriously weighing a run.
“I will confess to you, I’m giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027,” Smith told Costa. “I’ve got this year coming up 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues.”
The 2028 field is already taking shape. On the Republican side, potential contenders frequently mentioned include Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and others who have built national profiles in recent years. President Donald Trump’s continued influence over the GOP also looms large, whether through a direct role or as a kingmaker.
Democrats, meanwhile, face their own questions about leadership and direction. Vice President Kamala Harris would likely be a top-tier contender if she runs, alongside figures such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The party continues to grapple with internal divisions between its progressive and moderate wings.
Smith, who has increasingly weighed in on political and social issues in addition to his sports commentary, has suggested that an outsider candidacy — similar in some respects to Trump’s 2016 run — could resonate with voters frustrated by Washington’s political class.
Notably, Smith’s answer on racism did not air in the televised CBS segment on Sunday but was included in the extended interview posted to YouTube.
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