Breaking News: General Hospital Star Stephen A. Smith Confirms His Intentions to Run for President in 2028!
Picture this: You’re tuning into your favorite daytime drama, General Hospital, maybe catching up on the latest mob intrigue in Port Charles. Then, you flip over to ESPN and see the same face, delivering fiery takes on the sports world. Now, imagine that same personality throwing his hat into the ring for the President of the United States.
Sounds like a plot twist worthy of a soap opera itself, right? Well, buckle up, because ESPN’s outspoken commentator and General Hospital’s recurring star, Stephen A. Smith, just revealed he’s seriously considering a presidential run in 2028!
This isn’t just some off-the-cuff remark; Smith laid it out during a candid interview, leaving entertainment and political junkies alike buzzing. How did we get here? And could the man known for passionate sports debates and playing a mob tech guru actually make a play for the White House? Let’s break down this unexpected development.
From Sports Screams to Soap Schemes
Most people know Stephen A. Smith from his high-volume, no-holds-barred commentary on ESPN’s First Take. He’s built a massive platform by being unapologetically himself, never shying away from a controversial opinion or a heated debate.
His catchphrases are legendary, and his presence is undeniable. But what many casual viewers might not realize is Smith’s long-standing affection for the world of daytime television, specifically ABC’s General Hospital.
His love for the show isn’t just passive fandom. Smith, a self-proclaimed lifelong GH viewer, first stepped onto the Port Charles set back in 2007, playing a TV reporter covering the infamous Metro Court hostage crisis – a storyline that had fans glued to their screens.
It was a fun cameo, a wink to his real-life persona. But the soap bug clearly bit him.
Fast forward to 2016, and Smith landed a recurring role that felt tailor-made: Brick. Far from just a reporter, Brick is a tech-savvy surveillance expert and an associate of Port Charles’s top mobster, Sonny Corinthos (played by the legendary Maurice Benard).
Think of him as the mob’s IT guy, but way cooler. Over the years, Brick has popped up in over 40 episodes, becoming a familiar face involved in tense situations, digging up dirt on enemies, and providing crucial tech support for Sonny’s organization. He’s not just muscle; he’s the brains behind the digital curtain, often seen briefing Sonny on security threats or tracking down elusive information.
For instance, he recently reappeared to help Sonny find a specialist cardiologist and investigate who planted a bomb in his penthouse – typical day at the office for Brick!
Beyond the mob business, Brick even had a romantic storyline, charming police commissioner Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper).
Though that recently hit the skids when Jordan chose someone else, it showed Brick navigating the complex personal dynamics of Port Charles, not just the underworld dealings. It added another layer to the character, making him more than just a hired gun.
The Political Plot Twist
While Brick is busy navigating the dangers of Port Charles, Stephen A.
Smith, the man behind the character, is contemplating a very different kind of high-stakes game: national politics. During a revealing interview on ABC News’ This Week, Smith confessed that a presidential run wasn’t initially on his radar. “I never desired to be a politician,” he admitted, which might surprise those familiar with his opinionated style.
So, what changed? According to Smith, the push isn’t coming from within, but from influential figures around him. “I have no choice, because I’ve had elected officials — and I’m not going to give their names — elected officials coming up to me,” Smith revealed. He didn’t stop there, adding, “I’ve had folks who are pundits come up to me.
I’ve had folks that got a lot of money, billionaires and others that have talked to me about exploratory committees and things of that nature.”
Imagine that: sitting members of government, media figures, and wealthy donors actively encouraging a sports commentator and part-time soap actor to consider running for the highest office.
Smith shared that even his pastor weighed in, urging him to respect the faith others have in his potential to make a difference. The advice? Don’t close any doors just yet. “‘You don’t know what God has planned for you. At least show the respect to the people who believe in you
.. to leave the door open for any possibilities some two to three years down the line.’”
And Smith’s conclusion? “And that’s what I’ve decided to do.” He’s officially leaving the door open for a 2028 run. This isn’t a definite declaration, but it’s far more than idle speculation.
The mention of “exploratory committees” suggests that these conversations have reached a serious level.
From Pundit to President? The Big Question
Naturally, this news sparks a million questions. Is this a genuine political aspiration fueled by encouragement, or perhaps the ultimate media play from someone who knows how to command attention? Smith certainly possesses qualities that resonate in today’s political landscape: he’s a household name, incredibly media-savvy, unafraid to speak his mind, and connects with a broad audience that crosses traditional demographic lines. His fiery rhetoric, often seen on ESPN, could easily translate to the campaign trail, energizing rallies and dominating debate stages.
However, the hurdles are immense. Smith has zero traditional political experience. Running a country is vastly different from debating sports or navigating fictional mob wars. He would face intense scrutiny over his past statements (and there are many!), his policy knowledge (or lack thereof), and his ability to transition from punditry to serious governance. Could his outspoken nature be a liability rather than an asset in the delicate world of diplomacy and legislation?
Furthermore, what would a Stephen A. Smith platform even look like? Would he run as a Democrat, Republican, or Independent? His public statements often defy easy categorization. This ambiguity might be part of the intrigue for his potential backers, who see him as an outsider capable of shaking up the status quo.
For now, Stephen A. Smith remains a force on ESPN and occasionally graces our screens as Brick on General Hospital. His plate is full. But the seed has been planted. The idea of “President Smith” is no longer just a wild hypothetical; it’s a possibility the man himself is actively considering, pushed by people with power and influence.
Whether he ultimately decides to trade the commentary desk and the fictional dangers of Port Charles for the real-world political battlefield remains a cliffhanger worthy of, well, a soap opera. One thing’s for sure: Stephen A. Smith knows how to keep us talking. Will we see campaign rallies replace courtside seats in his future? Only time will tell. What do you think – could you see Stephen A. Smith making a serious run for the White House?
