ESPN host and cultural commentator Stephen A. Smith has delivered a powerful rebuke of the modern Democratic Party, warning that its far-left lurch has alienated working Americans and driven away anyone who values common sense over ideology.
In a recent interview on CNN’s State of the Union, Smith—who identifies as a political independent—made it clear he has no interest in associating with the Democratic Party in its current form. The popular broadcaster, who has hinted at a possible presidential run in 2028, said the party would need a complete overhaul before he’d even consider running under its banner.
“I’m a moderate,” Smith stated. “If I had to run, it would be as a Democrat—but I’m not happy with the Democratic Party. As presently constructed, the Democratic Party would pretty much need to be purged for me to associate with them.”
Smith took direct aim at the party’s obsession with identity politics, woke ideology, cancel culture, and out-of-touch priorities. He warned that Democrats are increasingly disconnected from real-life concerns facing everyday Americans—like crime, inflation, economic survival, and family security.
“The party has abandoned people who just want to live their lives, pay their bills, and feel safe,” he said. “Instead, they’re chasing social media narratives and punishing people who don’t parrot the latest slogans.”
.@stephenasmith to @jaketapper on potential 2028 bid: “I would say, if I had to run, it would be as a Democrat, but I’m not happy with the Democratic Party. So the Democratic Party, as presently constructed, it would pretty much need to be purged in order for me to assume that I… pic.twitter.com/vgYrvfV2cH
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) May 4, 2025
Smith also weighed in on the 2024 election, offering a blunt assessment that echoed what many Americans already believe: “I don’t view Donald Trump as winning the election—I view the Democrats as losing it. They absolutely blew it with some of their actions.”
While Smith stopped short of confirming a presidential run, he acknowledged that calls for him to enter politics are growing. He said elected officials, faith leaders, and ordinary citizens have encouraged him to keep the door open. “You don’t know what God has planned for you,” one pastor told him. Smith said he’s chosen to respect that sentiment and stay open to the possibility.
His message was clear: Americans are tired of being lectured, divided, and dismissed by political elites. If the Democratic Party wants to survive, let alone win back independents and centrists, it will have to do some serious soul-searching—and it may already be too late.
Smith’s remarks reflect a growing chorus of voices across the country demanding a return to common sense, decency, and real-world priorities in politics. For many, his message isn’t just refreshing—it’s long overdue.