Stephen A. Smith, 2028?

Introduced by Whoopi Goldberg as “ESPN host and political commentator,” Smith told the hosts of “The View” that he would “definitely consider” running for president if he thought he could win the office. 

“I’m half joking but I kind of mean it,” Smith said Thursday. “I have no desire to be a congressional figure or a senator, but if you came to me and told me I had a legitimate shot to win the Presidency of the United States of America.”

It is not the first time Smith has “half-joked” about leading the free world. 

In June 2022, during an appearance on “The Recount” podcast, Smith said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell had once told him he should run for Senate (Smith was and is disinterested).

On an episode of “First Take” filmed two months later, Smith said he had meant it when claiming to Paul Finebaum that he would “strongly consider” running for president if that’s what the American people wanted. 

The shift from “strongly” to “definitely” took just over two years.

Now, with Donald Trump set to return to the Oval Office, Smith has four more years to mull over his policy plans. 

The multi-million dollar commentator, ever a realist, admitted there would be some roadblocks toward his candidacy. 

“Here’s the problem,” Smith began, “I would be an independent because I don’t like either side. 

“I’m not going to be bought and paid for, I’m going to do what is in the best interest of the American people. Whatever that may be. And I’m going to make my decisions and I’m going to stand on them.” 

And, when asked if he was even qualified for office by “The View,” Smith said: “Hell no.”