Charles Barkley voices his opinion of Stephen A. Smith running for president: “All I would say is knock it off”

Stephen A. Smith isn’t particularly known for staying in his lane. The ESPN host and podcast juggernaut has taken a mild turn toward politics, dropping hints about a possible run for president in 2028, as we told you a few days ago. Now, one of his longtime friends - and a man with just as much experience in political commentary as Smith has in government – has weighed in. Charles Barkley has heard the chatter, and he’s had enough.

Barkley’s advice to Smith’s presidency

“Knock it off,” Barkley said bluntly, when asked about Smith’s presidential aspirations during a recent conversation with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina. “You know I love you, man,” Barkley added, “but stop it!” His tone was clear: this isn’t hate, it’s tough love.

Smith’s flirtation with the idea of running for office began as a comment thrown out in interviews. But it’s being taken seriously.

During a panel at the NAB Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, Smith said he has “no desire” to get into politics – but followed it up by saying he’s been encouraged by people on Capitol Hill and around the country. He’s been growing louder in his criticism of the Democratic Party and has openly questioned whether anyone on the left has enough of a national presence to win in 2028.

Is Stephen A. Smith running for president?

Smith hasn’t committed to anything and says any announcement would come after the 2026 midterms. But he’s leaving the door open. If the political landscape is still, in his words, “a mess” by then, he says a presidential run isn’t off the table.

Smith describes himself as centrist, with opinions that draw from both liberal and conservative ideas. But while his political identity might be flexible, his critics – and friends – are raising their eyebrows.

Barkley, for one, seems to think the whole thing started for fun and went too far. “It had to start out as a joke,” he said, “and he started taking it serious.” Barkley is no stranger to political speculation himself. He’s long teased a run for governor of Alabama but never pulled the trigger. That may be why he recognizes the warning signs when someone else gets caught up in the hype.

Smith’s potential candidacy comes at a time when many voters are deeply dissatisfied with the state of national leadership. He argues that Democrats are focusing too much on “identity politics” and not enough on economic pain. But critics might say Smith is trying to skip a few steps – going from sports talk to the Oval Office without a stop in city hall or Congress.

For now, there’s no campaign slogan, no exploratory committee, and definitely no formal announcement. Just a lot of talk – and a very public eye-roll from Charles Barkley.

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