Overview

• Stephen A. Smith stated on ABC's 'This Week' that he feels compelled to consider a presidential run due to encouragement from elected officials, billionaires, and his pastor.
• Smith’s remarks have been widely criticized as self-important, with commentators like Dan Abrams calling them pompous and dismissing the notion of 'no choice' as exaggerated.
• A new Democratic primary poll shows Smith polling at just 1%, reflecting minimal support among voters and questioning the seriousness of his potential candidacy.
• Smith has downplayed speculation about his political ambitions, calling the idea of his candidacy 'hilarious' in interviews and emphasizing his satisfaction with his ESPN role.
• The discussion around Smith highlights broader concerns within the Democratic Party about leadership challenges and the appeal of celebrity figures in politics.