Overview
- Stephen A. Smith reiterated interest in a 2028 bid on CBS Sunday Morning and told Paul Finebaum he would love to be on debate stages.
- Jemele Hill interpreted Smith’s CBS remark that racism “exists, but people aren’t that concerned about it anymore” as a calculated launch signal.
- Hill argued his name recognition, debate skills, and digital reach could make him a genuine threat in Democratic primaries.
- She predicted he would likely run as a Democrat and warned that significant donor interest, including from some Republicans, could follow if Democrats mismanage their response.
- Smith said he is leaving the door open after encouragement from Pastor A. R. Bernard, described himself as a moderate with right-leaning fiscal views and left-leaning social views, praised Trump’s border stance, opposed defunding the police and socialism, and has not formally launched.