STEPHEN A. Smith made a surprise television appearance this week during his screen break.
The ESPN star is currently off duty after a long and tiring NBA season.
Stephen A. Smith appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert[/caption]
Smith was asked about his ambitions for a political career[/caption]
Smith, 57, has not been on First Take in recent weeks as he takes time out.
He plays a key role in ESPN’s coverage of the NBA in addition to his role on the weekday sports debate show.
The 57-year-old was a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
And Smith was asked about his plans to turn to a political career, which he’s alluded to before.
Colbert asked if Smith would consider running for President in 2028.
“I’m not an expert, I’m not an aficionado,” Smith said.
“But some would say, neither are people we see in the office. But that’s a different subject for another day.
“What I would say to you, however, is that for me I’m a conscientious observer. I pay attention to the issues.
“I care about all of America – not just the people that like me.”
Smith was then pressed on whether he was a Republican or Democrat.
And he used the opportunity to criticize both parties.
“I’m a registered independent, I don’t like either party,” he said.
“I think that part of the problems that exist, a large part of the problems that exist in this country is because both sides have been so polarizing.
“I think about it from the standpoint that you have to be an individual that’s conscientious, that’s an observer in that fashion and that cares about the vast majority of the American people.
“Too many politicians, they engage in polarization.
“In this day and age on Capitol Hill, all you have to do is disagree with the other side.
“You don’t even have to look at a bill, you don’t even have to pay attention to the issues.
“What’s that side voting? We are going to vote the other way because we don’t want to do anything they want to do.
“This polarization that takes place and the American citizens are used as pawns and taken advantage of.
“I hate it, I detest it. As a result I say to myself, if I could leave the door open where I can have a voice and have an impact, I’m not scared, I’m not running.
“I would love to take some of these folks on. I believe that what they have done is against the best interests of this country and they need to be held accountable for it.”
