Staff Reports
The latest chapter in America’s celebrity-politics circus comes courtesy of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who now says he’s seriously considering a run for president in 2028. Smith, famous for his bombastic sports commentary and not for any record of public service, claims he’s been approached by elected officials, pundits, and even billionaires urging him to keep the door open for a White House bid. It’s a sign of the times: in today’s political climate, all it takes is a microphone, a podcast, and a few hot takes to be considered presidential material.
Smith’s flirtation with a presidential run is a perfect example of how far the bar has fallen for political leadership. Unlike Donald Trump, who entered politics after decades of high-stakes business experience and a long history of engaging with economic and foreign policy issues, Smith’s résumé is limited to analyzing basketball games and stirring up debate on cable TV. The idea that voicing political opinions on a podcast is now a qualification for the highest office in the land should give every serious voter pause.
This trend of celebrities jumping into politics isn’t just a harmless spectacle—it’s a symptom of a deeper problem. The left, in particular, has spent years elevating celebrity voices and blurring the line between entertainment and governance. Now, as the Democratic Party faces a leadership vacuum after a string of electoral defeats, they’re left with the prospect of turning to a sports analyst for salvation. It’s hard to imagine a more damning indictment of their bench strength or their seriousness about governing.
Let’s be clear: running a country is not the same as running a talk show. Leadership requires experience, judgment, and a proven ability to make tough decisions under pressure. The notion that someone with no background in public service or executive management could step into the Oval Office and succeed is not just naïve—it’s dangerous. If Democrats are foolish enough to nominate Smith, it would all but guarantee a red wave, as voters in key states recoil from the spectacle of celebrity politics run amok.
In the end, maybe a Smith candidacy would serve as the wake-up call America needs. It would force us to confront the absurdity of our current political culture, where fame and social media clout are mistaken for competence and character. The presidency is not a reality show, and it’s time we started treating it with the seriousness it deserves. If nothing else, Smith’s musings should remind us that governing is a job for leaders, not entertainers.
