ESPN First Take host Stephen A. Smith took his flirtation with a presidential bid to a brand new stage via hitting the Sunday morning political exhibit circuit.

In an interview on ABC’s This Week, host Jon Karl questioned the ESPN famous person about whether or not he’s critically bearing in mind a marketing campaign for the White Home.

“Are you really fascinated with operating for president?” Karl requested.

“Hear, I haven’t any option,” Smith responded. “As a result of I’ve had elected officials — and I’m not going to present their names — elected officials coming as much as me. I’ve had other people who’re pundits come as much as me. I’ve had people who bought a lot of money, billionaires and others, have talked to me about exploratory committees and issues of that nature. I’m no longer a politician. I’ve by no means had a want to be a baby-kisser. I just signed a contract extension with ESPN. I’m very, more than happy with my day job … It’s an attractive damn excellent contract. I couldn’t be happier.

“But right here’s the truth: Literally, folks have walked as much as me, including my own pastor for crying out loud, who has said to me, you don’t comprehend what God has planned for you. As a minimum show the glory to the individuals who imagine in you, who appreciate you, who imagine that you could make a distinction on this united states to go away the door open for any possibilities two to a few years down the road. And that’s what I’ve determined to do.”

A ballot in February put Smith at 2 p.c in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary — which is a number roughly consistent with what 2024 Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz pulls down and would likely qualify him for presidential debates early in the marketing campaign.

Smith has been a vocal critic of the Democratic birthday party — and mentioned he relishes the prospect of potentially taking them on in a debate.

“I would hope somebody else would step up that’s extra qualified than me, but when it has to return down to me, it’s one thing I would believe,” Smith stated. “Sure, I would, because I don’t thoughts the considered tussling with these people in any respect on the left or the suitable. All of them disgust me to be moderately sincere with you.

Watch above, via ABC.

The post Stephen A. Smith Hits the Sunday Morning Talk Exhibit Circuit — Pronounces He Has ‘No Option’ However to Believe a Run for President first appeared on Mediaite.