Sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith has firmly rejected speculation that he might run for president in 2028, telling POLITICO in an interview airing Thursday that such a bid would cost him his ESPN contract and is not worth sacrificing his broadcasting career.

"The minute I announce that I'm running, I would be taken off the air," Smith said in an interview on The Conversation with Dasha Burns. "I wouldn't be able to work, and I would lose a contract that I worked my entire career for, and I'm not giving that up."

Smith, known for his brash sports commentary on ESPN's "First Take," did not shy away from political analysis during the interview.

"As long as the rules are what they are and they can't be circumvented, it's not something that I'm going to think about," he said regarding a potential presidential run.

What the Left Is Saying

Smith offered pointed advice for Democrats seeking to rebuild after losing recent elections: purge elements affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America and bring the party's progressive flank in line.

"We should never want to hear anything about the Democratic Party being a 'big tent,'" Smith said. "The Democrats should only welcome people who march lockstep with the party."

On how Democrats should handle their left flank, Smith was blunt: "Tell them to sit their ass down and get with the program."

Smith also criticized Democrats' association with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, saying it would "come back to haunt" the party. He said he would bring Piker on his show "if necessary" and "grill him about the things that he said and why," referring to comments suggesting American Jewish support for Israel could prompt "action" against Jews in the U.S.

Smith did offer some praise for specific Democrats, naming Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as his top prospect for 2028: "He's big time... [his] record is head and shoulders above anybody right now." He also praised Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, though he noted electing another Black Democratic candidate could be challenging following Barack Obama's presidency.

What the Right Is Saying

Smith's comments on President Donald Trump were largely favorable, crediting him with recognizing that voters feel "our politics and our politicians are full of shit."

"He speaks a language that the electorate, no matter who they are or what side of the aisle they are on, can relate to, even if they despise him," Smith said. He added that there are millions of voters who want "chaos" and "the evisceration of rules and decorum and regulations."

On the Republican side for 2028, Smith dismissed a potential candidacy by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson: "I don't think [he] could secure enough support from independents."

Smith argued that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be a stronger GOP candidate than Vice President JD Vance. "Vance is an individual that tries to be too like Trump," Smith said. "And I don't think there's the level of authenticity that you're wishing to see from candidates; I don't think he's that guy. I think that Marco Rubio is an authentic individual."

Smith even noted he would consider voting for Rubio himself, saying it depends "on the candidate on the left."

What the Numbers Show

The 2028 presidential election remains more than two years away, with no major party candidates having officially announced their intentions.

Smith has built his career over nearly three decades in sports media, joining ESPN in 2003 and becoming co-host of "First Take" in 2011. His contract with ESPN is a significant professional commitment that would be affected by any federal candidacy under current rules.

Governor Shapiro's approval ratings in Pennsylvania have remained above 50% throughout his tenure, while Governor Moore has maintained similarly strong numbers in Maryland since taking office in 2023.

The Bottom Line

Smith's political commentary comes as Democrats continue grappling with how to position themselves against Trump and the GOP heading into future elections. His suggestion that the party should abandon its "big tent" approach conflicts with some Democratic strategists who argue broadening appeal requires maintaining progressive coalitions.

The ESPN personality's praise for Shapiro as a 2028 prospect aligns with speculation from political handicappers, though no formal declarations are expected until after the 2026 midterm elections. Smith's embrace of Rubio over Vance on the Republican side could signal cross-party appeal that both men might seek to cultivate.

Smith made clear he will continue discussing politics on his sports show while maintaining his broadcasting career, saying he would "grill" Piker and others whose views he finds problematic. The full interview is available in the latest episode of "The Conversation."