Sports media titan Stephen A. Smith officially ended speculation about a 2028 presidential bid during the debut episode of Sean Hannity’s new "Hang Out" podcast. Speaking from Hannity’s Florida studio, the ESPN analyst made it clear that his lucrative career outweighs any desire for a move to the Oval Office. "If I have to give up my money, it's not happening," Smith said, effectively shutting down months of rumors regarding his political aspirations.
The premiere episode of Hannity’s twice-weekly show offers a long-form, unfiltered look at culture and politics. Smith, despite being a registered Democrat, used the platform to praise the "adults in the room" within the current administration. He specifically identified Secretary of State Marco Rubio as one of three figures he would support for the presidency in 2028.
"He's an adult in the room. There is no questioning his qualifications for the job," Smith remarked about Rubio. He noted that he would choose the Secretary of State over many of his own party's prominent figures, including Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris. Smith’s crossover appeal highlights a growing trend of media personalities acknowledging the "Peace Through Strength" successes of the Trump-Vance-Rubio era.
While Smith remains open to supporting Democrats like Governors Wes Moore or Josh Shapiro, his respect for the GOP's top diplomat signals a shift in the cultural zeitgeist. He previously warned that "not a damn soul" could beat a Vance-Rubio ticket in the next election cycle. This candid admission on Hannity's set suggests that even those on the left are beginning to recognize the effectiveness of the current administration's leadership.
The new podcast aims to deliver behind-the-scenes conversations that typically happen when the cameras stop rolling. Other upcoming guests include Dan Bongino, Clay Travis, and Ainsley Earhardt, promising a deep dive into the issues facing American citizens. For Smith, the focus remains on his media empire and challenging his own party to actually earn the votes they often take for granted.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the dialogue between figures like Smith and Hannity provides a unique window into the American Manufacturing Renaissance and its impact on culture. The refusal of a high-profile media star to enter the political fray underscores the intensity of the current landscape. For now, Stephen A.