Stephen A. Smith and the Search for a Democratic Trump

[Social Media]

 

Stephen A. Smith and the Search for a Democratic Trump

 

The rising chatter about ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith as a possible 2028 presidential candidate may seem outlandish, but it reflects the Democratic Party's current mood of anxiety, desperation, and disillusionment. In the wake of a second electoral loss to Donald Trump, Democrats are casting an unusually wide net in search of a compelling leader—one who might channel the plainspoken charisma and outsider appeal that powered Trump’s political rise.

 

Since the 2024 election, Smith has become a surprising voice in political discourse, vocally criticizing Democratic leadership and hinting at his own political ambitions. “No choice,” he told ABC News, referencing the growing number of fans, donors, pundits, and even politicians encouraging him to run. Though he clearly does have a choice, his remarks illustrate a peculiar moment in Democratic politics: a willingness, or perhaps a desperation, to consider even celebrity outsiders in the search for a winning candidate.

 

 

Smith’s media ubiquity—commenting on immigration, tariffs, and national affairs across outlets like CNN, Fox News, and Pod Save America—has positioned him in the public imagination as something more than a sports commentator. While most Democrats would not seriously place him on a presidential shortlist, many agree the party needs a figure with Smith's qualities: confident, media-savvy, capable of connecting with younger voters and particularly with Black and Latino men. The appeal lies in his outsider status, his plainspoken delivery, and his distance from the traditional Democratic establishment.

 

Party insiders acknowledge that many of their 2028 hopefuls—Pete Buttigieg, Wes Moore, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer—lack the populist fire or cultural reach to galvanize skeptical and disengaged voters. Kamala Harris’s underperformance among Black and Latino men has only heightened concerns. Her hesitant media appearances and cautious demeanor have left Democrats convinced that the next nominee must exude confidence and clarity. Meanwhile, faith in traditional political structures is eroding, and that trend favors outsiders—just as it did for Trump in 2016.

 

The desire for a fresh political persona has prompted governors like Newsom and Kentucky’s Andy Beshear to launch podcasts and videos in an effort to bypass the mainstream press and connect directly with voters. However, such efforts often fall flat, annoying base voters rather than inspiring them. Smith, in contrast, already commands attention and possesses a well-honed ability to frame arguments clearly and provocatively—skills that many Democrats feel are sorely lacking among current party leaders.

 

The comparison to Trump isn’t about policy but about presence. “Who is a left-leaning political outsider who might particularly connect with Black and or/Latino men; has strong media skills; is extremely confident in public settings; and isn’t known for progressive views on social justice issues?” That’s more Smith than it is traditional Democrats like Josh Shapiro or Tim Walz. Others, like Mark Cuban, have also been floated as potential Democratic versions of Trump—non-politicians with bold voices and public visibility. But Cuban, like most in his position, has declined.

 

Still, the enthusiasm around Smith’s political commentary reveals more about Democratic fears than any real groundswell for his candidacy. “No one I know is clamoring for Stephen A. Smith 2028,” one observer wrote, “but Smith has correctly assessed there is significant anxiety and desperation among Democrats for a candidate who can win—and they will consider ANYONE.”

 

Yet history warns against reading too much into post-election panic. After George W. Bush’s reelection in 2004, Democrats believed they needed a moderate white candidate to win over rural voters. They chose Barack Obama instead and won resoundingly. Likewise, after Mitt Romney’s 2012 loss, Republicans assumed they needed a diverse and moderate candidate. Instead, they got Trump.

 

Some of the ideas that seemed urgent in late 2024 have already faded. Newsom’s attempts to appeal to conservatives through his podcast have irritated liberal voters. The rightward pressure on issues like diversity and immigration has lessened in the face of renewed crackdowns by the Trump administration. Progressives are rallying once again around Bernie Sanders—an outsider in tone, if not in tenure.

 

Smith may have momentarily captured a public frustrated with cautious insiders, but that doesn’t make him a viable leader. While winning elections is paramount, Democrats must also prioritize effective governance. “Implementing policy is actually hard,” the article notes. “Trump has been a disastrous president in part because he has so little knowledge about governing.” Democrats would be wise not to repeat that mistake.

 

Stephen A. Smith is free to speak his mind—and he does so better than most. But while he may dominate sports debates and capture headlines, the Democratic Party must look beyond celebrity appeal if it hopes to lead the country effectively. It might be best to leave Smith to his day job sparring with LeBron James, and turn instead to seasoned leaders who understand both communication and governance.

 

Adpated by ASEAN Now from WP  2025-04-22

 

 

[bendejo]

If he starts getting press, he of great ego will respond with something like "a phony DEI hire, what a joke." 

 

I hope he keeps going, though I have absolutely no idea of what elections will be like in the US in the near future.

 

[JonnyF]

I'm not sure that someone who made a career screaming about Basketball is exactly what The Democrats need but hey, can't be worse than cackling Kamala. 

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I'm not sure that someone who made a career screaming about Basketball is exactly what The Democrats need but hey, can't be worse than cackling Kamala. 

Yeah he waffles on a lot. So does Bill Maher.

[spidermike007]

Though he is clearly a very intelligent man, for me he comes across as being quite angry and that's not something we want to emulate. We can leave that quality to Trump, along with hatred, racism, division, fake patriotism, and failed policy. 

[newbee2022]

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Stephen A. Smith and the Search for a Democratic Trump

 

The rising chatter about ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith as a possible 2028 presidential candidate may seem outlandish, but it reflects the Democratic Party's current mood of anxiety, desperation, and disillusionment. In the wake of a second electoral loss to Donald Trump, Democrats are casting an unusually wide net in search of a compelling leader—one who might channel the plainspoken charisma and outsider appeal that powered Trump’s political rise.

 

Since the 2024 election, Smith has become a surprising voice in political discourse, vocally criticizing Democratic leadership and hinting at his own political ambitions. “No choice,” he told ABC News, referencing the growing number of fans, donors, pundits, and even politicians encouraging him to run. Though he clearly does have a choice, his remarks illustrate a peculiar moment in Democratic politics: a willingness, or perhaps a desperation, to consider even celebrity outsiders in the search for a winning candidate.

 

 

Smith’s media ubiquity—commenting on immigration, tariffs, and national affairs across outlets like CNN, Fox News, and Pod Save America—has positioned him in the public imagination as something more than a sports commentator. While most Democrats would not seriously place him on a presidential shortlist, many agree the party needs a figure with Smith's qualities: confident, media-savvy, capable of connecting with younger voters and particularly with Black and Latino men. The appeal lies in his outsider status, his plainspoken delivery, and his distance from the traditional Democratic establishment.

 

Party insiders acknowledge that many of their 2028 hopefuls—Pete Buttigieg, Wes Moore, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer—lack the populist fire or cultural reach to galvanize skeptical and disengaged voters. Kamala Harris’s underperformance among Black and Latino men has only heightened concerns. Her hesitant media appearances and cautious demeanor have left Democrats convinced that the next nominee must exude confidence and clarity. Meanwhile, faith in traditional political structures is eroding, and that trend favors outsiders—just as it did for Trump in 2016.

 

The desire for a fresh political persona has prompted governors like Newsom and Kentucky’s Andy Beshear to launch podcasts and videos in an effort to bypass the mainstream press and connect directly with voters. However, such efforts often fall flat, annoying base voters rather than inspiring them. Smith, in contrast, already commands attention and possesses a well-honed ability to frame arguments clearly and provocatively—skills that many Democrats feel are sorely lacking among current party leaders.

 

The comparison to Trump isn’t about policy but about presence. “Who is a left-leaning political outsider who might particularly connect with Black and or/Latino men; has strong media skills; is extremely confident in public settings; and isn’t known for progressive views on social justice issues?” That’s more Smith than it is traditional Democrats like Josh Shapiro or Tim Walz. Others, like Mark Cuban, have also been floated as potential Democratic versions of Trump—non-politicians with bold voices and public visibility. But Cuban, like most in his position, has declined.

 

Still, the enthusiasm around Smith’s political commentary reveals more about Democratic fears than any real groundswell for his candidacy. “No one I know is clamoring for Stephen A. Smith 2028,” one observer wrote, “but Smith has correctly assessed there is significant anxiety and desperation among Democrats for a candidate who can win—and they will consider ANYONE.”

 

Yet history warns against reading too much into post-election panic. After George W. Bush’s reelection in 2004, Democrats believed they needed a moderate white candidate to win over rural voters. They chose Barack Obama instead and won resoundingly. Likewise, after Mitt Romney’s 2012 loss, Republicans assumed they needed a diverse and moderate candidate. Instead, they got Trump.

 

Some of the ideas that seemed urgent in late 2024 have already faded. Newsom’s attempts to appeal to conservatives through his podcast have irritated liberal voters. The rightward pressure on issues like diversity and immigration has lessened in the face of renewed crackdowns by the Trump administration. Progressives are rallying once again around Bernie Sanders—an outsider in tone, if not in tenure.

 

Smith may have momentarily captured a public frustrated with cautious insiders, but that doesn’t make him a viable leader. While winning elections is paramount, Democrats must also prioritize effective governance. “Implementing policy is actually hard,” the article notes. “Trump has been a disastrous president in part because he has so little knowledge about governing.” Democrats would be wise not to repeat that mistake.

 

Stephen A. Smith is free to speak his mind—and he does so better than most. But while he may dominate sports debates and capture headlines, the Democratic Party must look beyond celebrity appeal if it hopes to lead the country effectively. It might be best to leave Smith to his day job sparring with LeBron James, and turn instead to seasoned leaders who understand both communication and governance.

 

Adpated by ASEAN Now from WP  2025-04-22

 

 

Why to search for something that doesn't exist?😳

[mrwebb8825]

On 4/21/2025 at 8:33 PM, JonnyF said:

I'm not sure that someone who made a career screaming about Basketball is exactly what The Democrats need but hey, can't be worse than cackling Kamala. 

Oh ye of little faith. US news has the top 3 contenders for 2028 as AOC, "Kackling Kamala" and Pete B., the DEI posterboy/girl(?) in that order, so far.

Does anyone remember that 7-8 yrs ago, AOC was sling beer and shots and letting herself get ogled, etc. for tips. In an early interview she claimed the unemployment figures were wrong because some people have 2 jobs. Living here atm is an experience of a lifetime. Even my 85 yr old mom hates the dems now.

[Cryingdick]

He is smart but definitely needs some anger management courses. The more I see of him the less impressed I am. I have only really known about him for maybe the past year. I just don't see him being the guy too abrasive.