Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly is urging ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith to take the plunge into presidential politics, arguing that even an unsuccessful campaign could make a major mark on American history.
During a Wednesday appearance on NewsNation’s Cuomo, O’Reilly weighed in on growing speculation about whether Smith might run for president as a Democrat in 2028. O’Reilly didn’t mince words.
“I think he should run, and I’m being serious now, and Trump opened the door for you,” O’Reilly said, suggesting that President Trump’s political rise reshaped the landscape for nontraditional candidates. “You should send Trump a big bouquet of flowers.”
O’Reilly argued that while Smith might face steep odds in a general election, the value of a campaign would go far beyond simply winning or losing. In his view, Smith could “inject” himself into the national conversation in a way that shakes up the political establishment.
“You’re exposing the charlatans, which would be an amazing historical achievement,” O’Reilly said, framing a potential Smith candidacy as a vehicle to challenge entrenched political figures.
The former cable news host added that Smith would not be risking much professionally. “You don’t have to win. You can go back to the dopey [ESPN] show anytime,” O’Reilly remarked, noting that the network would struggle to find a suitable replacement. “They don’t have anybody to replace you.”
Smith, however, pushed back on the idea that a presidential run would be symbolic or merely disruptive. “Bill, I don’t play to lose,” he responded. “If I decide to run, it’s because I intend to win. It ain’t to make noise just to expose the charlatans, it’s to win.”
Smith made clear that he would not enter the race unless he believed he had a legitimate path to the White House. “I won’t do it unless I believe I have a legitimate shot to win the presidency,” he said. “Make no mistake about it.”
O’Reilly remained undeterred, insisting that even a failed bid could be considered a success if it reshaped the political debate. “But if you don’t win, it’s still a win,” he said, before jokingly offering to serve as Smith’s vice president. “And as your vice president, I’ll do everything I can to try to ensure you win.”
Speculation about Smith’s political ambitions has been building for more than a year. The outspoken ESPN host has repeatedly floated the possibility of running as a Democrat in 2028. Just last week, he told CBS that he was “giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage,” fueling further chatter about his intentions.
O’Reilly is not alone in encouraging Smith to consider a campaign. Comedian and commentator Bill Maher has also expressed support, arguing last year that Smith could be the kind of “outsider” Democrats might need to secure a victory.
Whether Smith ultimately decides to take the leap remains to be seen. But with encouragement coming from prominent media voices and continued public musings about a potential run, the 2028 race may already be shaping up to include some unconventional possibilities.
