Stephen A. Smith promised to put more police officers on the streets and deal with issues around crime, the border and the economy as he laid out more of his political agenda.
The ESPN star, who has admitted he is ‘giving strong consideration’ to a 2028 presidential run, recently opened up on his political ambitions in an interview with the Daily Mail.
Smith has suggested he would battle for the Democratic Party nomination, revealing that he plans to use 2026 to mull over a possible run for office.
During an interview with CBS, the ‘First Take’ host went into more detail about his policy ideas, with some of his comments drawing praise from fans on social media.
‘We wouldn’t have a border crisis under my watch. Hell no,’ he said. ‘We wouldn’t have this crime that exists on the streets of New York – you wouldn’t hear about me saying “Defund the police.”
‘We ain’t defunding any police – I’m calling 911 when there is a problem, I know you’re calling 911 when there’s a problem. I’ll be damned if I’m going to have less police officers out there. There’s going to be more – that’s me!’
Stephen A. Smith revealed he is giving ‘strong consideration’ to a run for the White House
One fan said they would love to see him go head-to-head with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Smith also outlined why he would ‘focus on a flourishing economy’ in a bid to reduce lawlessness across the United States.
‘I believe when you have something to lose, you know how to behave,’ he said. ‘If you have nothing, you have nothing to lose.
‘As a result, you’re willing to tear down anything – even it’s America – because you feel betrayed by a country that’s supposed to be looking out for you and positioning you to thrive. Instead of wallowing in misery and suffering.’
A clip of his comments went down well with many fans on social media. Some said they ‘hope he runs’ and that Smith already ‘has [their] vote.’
‘Would much prefer Stephen A over any other lib[eral] candidate,’ one supporter said. ‘You know it’s a crazy world when Stephen A Smith makes more sense than most politicians.’
One fan said they were relishing the chance to see the ESPN star go head-to-head with prominent Democrats such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
‘Run Stephen run,’ they wrote. ‘Imagine the Aoc vs Stephen A debates. We need this.’
President Donald Trump is also among those who would like to see Smith run for office.
‘I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important,’ Trump told NewsNation.
‘People watch him. You know, a lot of these Democrats I watch, I say they have no chance. I’ve been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates. And I will tell you, I’d love to see him run.’
