Stephen A. Smith has been a polarizing figure in sports media for the better part of the last two decades.

Stephen A. Smith now says he's 'serious' and 'leaving all doors open' on presidential run | The Independent

Some fans have complained that Smith is overexposed, but his work ethic has landed him a massive deal and a ton of influence at ESPN.

Smith is one of the biggest stars in all of sports media, and recently there’s been discussions that he could make a run at public office. Smith’s aspirations don’t end with local or municipal elections, as some believe he has a chance if he runs for president.

One of Smith’s ESPN colleagues and a former WNBA All-Star is weighing in on Smith’s chances to become Commander in Chief.

“I think he would be the first to say he would not necessarily want to run, but let me tell you this: I hope he makes the debate stage,” said ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike.

“I think he will more than hold his own. There is nobody that is more prepared for a presidential debate format than Stephen A. in my opinion.”

Smith told ABC News that “has no choice” but to seriously consider a run in 2028, saying that multiple billionaires have contacted him to help the Democratic party.

Smith and some of his colleagues may have a lot of confidence in him, but a poll from Zeteo News tells a different story.

The poll showed that Smith was by far the lowest-polling candidate among potential Democratic challengers. 49% of Democratic voters even said that “I do not know who this is” when asked about Smith for the purposes of the poll.

Stephen A. Smith at the NBA Draft.

BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: Stephen A. Smith looks on during the 2024 NBA Draft – Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Images)

Luther Schlaifer/Getty Images

According to Semafor reporter David Weigel, “the Stephen A. Smith boomlet feels 99.8% media-driven, no actual demand from Dem voters.”

“There was a version of this in 2017, when there was a lot of media chatter about whether Dems wanted their own celebrity (Oprah?) – no, Dems love government and experience!”

Smith certainly has the celebrity factor down, but his lack of experience and policy decisions may keep him away from being successful when running for office.

We’ve seen that experience isn’t a prerequisite for the job, but it seems that, at least for now, it’s preventing him from making true inroads in politics.