How many times does Stephen A. Smith have to hint at running for President of the United States before he actually enters the race?
As described by ABC, ESPN host and “political commentator” Stephen A. Smith joined The View Thursday morning to break down the results from Election Day. Smith’s appearance was interrupted by President Joe Biden addressing the nation after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the election. But The View returned just in time for its audience to learn about Smith’s interest in running for president.
“If you came to me and you told me I had a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States of America, I would definitely consider it.” – Stephen A. Smith on The View pic.twitter.com/Q3Ccdbopws
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 7, 2024
After initially saying, “Hell no” to the idea of running for president, Smith clarified his interest. “I have no desire to be a congressional figure or a senator,” Smith admitted. “But if you came to me and you told me I had a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States of America, I would definitely consider it.”
“So you want to break through the line?” host Joy Behar asked, garnering a resounding “Yes” out of Smith.
“That’s right. Yes. Absolutely. For that? Yes,” Smith continued. “Because others have. Including Democrats, by the way. I mean, they broke through the line. What’s wrong with me doing it? But I would be an Independent because I don’t like either side and I’m not going to be bought and paid for. I’m gonna do what I believe is in the best interest of the American people, whatever that may be. And I’m going to make my decisions and I’m going to stand on them.”
Smith, however, did acknowledge the problem with running as an Independent is the fact that money gets dumped into the Democratic and Republican campaigns. And if a candidate is serious about running for president they need that money, which often means caving to party lines.
Smith has previously stated he declined opportunities to run for Senate earlier in his media career, but would consider skipping the line to the presidency. And in 2022, Smith repeated claims that he would consider a run for president if it seemed like there might be an appetite for that. Is it crazy to think one party might look at a conceited media personality and believe they could be boisterous enough to win an election? The 55th governor of New Jersey, former presidential candidate and ex-friend of Donald Trump, Chris Christie has said “either party would be foolish” not to talk to Smith about running.
The bigger issue might be the pay cut. Currently, Smith is working on negotiating a new ESPN contract worth around $20 million annually. Does Smith want to give that type of paycheck up for a run at president?
[The View]
