Stephen A. Smith Reveals His ‘Favorite’ Potential 2028 Candidate — But There’s One Problem

Stephen A. Smith named his top pick for 2028, but he admitted there is one major problem that will likely keep that candidate from the White House.

On Smith’s Straight Shooter, the commentator named Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) as his number one pick for a 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, but he argued there is a large problem that will likely keep the rumored candidate out of the running: the fact that he’s Jewish.

Smith cited rising instances of antisemitism, “particularly on the left,” as the reason why Shapiro likely wouldn’t end up making the cut. Smith argued Shapiro would likely face backlash on the left despite his repeated public criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his regime’s strikes on Gaza.

He said:

My favorite, in terms of who I think is most qualified for the job based on their record, is Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania. Smart as a whip, absolutely successful at his job, very popular elected official governing the state of Pennsylvania, works with a Republican legislature and gets the damn job done!

His problem is very simple: I do not believe the American people will vote for a Jewish individual and put them in office for the presidency of the United States of America in a general election.

Never mind that he’s opposed to Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, never mind that he’s for a two-state solution, never mind that he has spoken out against these issues, although he supports Israel. I don’t think America will put a Jewish individual in office.

Smith added that he believes former Vice President Kamala Harris has the most “momentum” at the moment and he blasted California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) for declaring that he would not run in 2028 if Harris is running.

Smith called out Newsom, arguing the governor likely just wants to avoid being confronted on policies and his own record:

Why the hell is he deferring to Kamala Harris? I think that should disqualify him automatically!

You’re the governor of California, you look the part, nice height, beautiful blue suits, you look sharp and in shape, you got the slicked-back Pat Reilly hair, you look the part, you’re smart, you’re articulate — I mean, damn, just call it what it is, you don’t want to run because they’re going to show highlights of the homeless in the streets of LA, or they’re going to bring up affordability, and the cost of living in California. Say that!

Smith doubled down on his belief that Shapiro is the most qualified, but also his prediction that his religion will only cause problems for him.

“There is nobody else other than Josh Shapiro with a record as a Democratic nominee that could usurp a Gavin Newsom or a Kamala Harris, but Josh Shapiro is Jewish,” he said, adding, “There is no way I think it will happen for him, but boy, I hope I’m wrong.”

Watch above via Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith.

Jason Cohen contributed to this report.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!