Stephen A. Smith, the bombastic ESPN personality known for his unfiltered hot takes on everything from LeBron’s legacy to NBA drama, just dropped a political bombshell on CBS Sunday Morning: he’s not ruling out a 2028 presidential run. Despite admitting he has no desire to run for office, Smith left the door wide open, saying he’d only consider it if he felt compelled to save the country. This isn’t some offhand quip—it’s vintage SAS, blending bravado with a messianic streak that could make him a wildcard in an already chaotic political landscape. Coming from a guy who’s built a brand yelling about sports while occasionally dipping into culture wars, this teases a potential fusion of celebrity spectacle and populist rhetoric that rivals Trump’s playbook.
For the 2A community, Smith’s flirtation with the Oval Office raises eyebrows and red flags in equal measure. He’s no stranger to controversy, having railed against gun nuts in past rants and aligning more with urban progressive vibes than rural Second Amendment strongholds—think his defenses of Colin Kaepernick over critiques of BLM excesses. A SAS candidacy could amplify anti-gun narratives in a media-saturated campaign, painting AR-15 owners as extremists while he courts coastal elites and sports fans. Yet, his self-proclaimed independence (he’s trashed both parties) and everyman appeal might force him to pivot toward pro-2A pragmatism if he eyes swing states like Pennsylvania or Wisconsin, where hunters and concealed carriers swing elections. Imagine Smith debating Kamala Harris surrogates on street crime without touching root causes like disarmament fantasies—could he accidentally become a reluctant defender of self-defense rights?
The implications ripple far beyond 2028: in a post-Trump, post-Biden era of celebrity presidents, Smith’s run could normalize treating gun rights as just another hot button for viral clips, diluting serious advocacy amid his circus. 2A patriots should watch closely—brace for incoming smears, but exploit any cracks in his armor where real talk on crime and protection intersects with the right to bear arms. If he jumps in, it’ll be must-watch TV, but don’t bet on him going full Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation just yet. Stay vigilant, Second Amendment fam.