Former WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike touts Stephen A Smith's debate skills ahead of possible presidential run

Fox News - May 2nd, 2025
Open on Fox News

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, known for his sports commentary, is considering a run for the U.S. presidency in 2028. This development comes despite his earlier dismissal of political ambitions. Smith's contemplation follows a series of events that have reportedly changed his perspective. He expressed his frustration with the current political climate and left the door open for a potential campaign, depending on the state of the nation in the coming years. Former President Donald Trump has also voiced support for Smith's potential candidacy, highlighting his entertainment skills and public appeal.

The significance of Smith's possible presidential bid lies in the intersection of sports media and politics, a realm previously unexplored by someone of his background. Smith's potential candidacy could reshape the traditional political landscape, offering a fresh perspective influenced by his experience in media and sports. His ability to engage audiences and drive discussions could make him a formidable presence in political debates. However, the implications of such a move depend on the political environment leading up to 2028 and whether Smith's appeal extends beyond his current fanbase.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and engaging account of Stephen A. Smith's potential consideration of a 2028 presidential run. It effectively captures the intrigue surrounding a media personality's possible entry into politics and includes perspectives from Smith and Donald Trump. However, the article could benefit from greater balance, with additional viewpoints and context to provide a more comprehensive picture. While the narrative is clear and accessible, the reliance on limited sources and lack of transparency regarding potential biases slightly undermines its credibility. Overall, the story is well-written and relevant, with the potential to spark public interest and discussion.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its portrayal of Stephen A. Smith's potential presidential run. Key claims, such as Smith's consideration of a 2028 presidential bid and Donald Trump's supportive comments, are corroborated by other sources. The story accurately reports Smith's statements on his podcast and social media, indicating a shift from his earlier denial of political ambitions. However, the article could benefit from more precise sourcing, especially regarding Smith's contract extension with ESPN, which is mentioned without direct evidence. Additionally, while the article captures Smith's evolving stance, it should clarify the context of his statements to avoid potential misinterpretations.

7
Balance

The story primarily focuses on Stephen A. Smith's potential political aspirations and includes perspectives from Smith himself, Donald Trump, and Chiney Ogwumike. While it provides a platform for Smith's views and Trump's endorsement, it lacks counterpoints or perspectives from political analysts or critics who might offer a more skeptical view of Smith's potential candidacy. This omission could lead to a perception of bias, as the article leans towards a positive portrayal without exploring potential challenges or criticisms Smith might face in a political arena.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through Smith's initial denial and subsequent openness to a presidential run. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the content easy to understand. However, the article could benefit from more context around Smith's political views and why his potential candidacy is newsworthy. Providing background information on Smith's influence and public persona would enhance the reader's understanding of the story's significance.

6
Source quality

The article relies on direct quotes from Stephen A. Smith and Donald Trump, which are credible sources for the claims made. However, it lacks a diversity of sources, relying heavily on Smith's statements and Fox News coverage. The inclusion of additional independent sources, such as political analysts or other media outlets, would enhance the article's credibility. The reliance on a single media outlet and direct statements from involved parties could limit the depth and breadth of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear account of Smith's public statements and his evolving stance on a potential presidential run. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather these statements and the context in which they were made. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as Fox News's relationship with the personalities involved. Greater transparency about the sources of information and any potential biases would improve the article's credibility and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.axios.com/2025/04/13/stephen-a-smith-president-run-2028
  2. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/stephen-smith-choice-run-president/story?id=120752510
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfe6PdG732c
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np-f7oeae50
  5. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-stephen-a-smith-president-2028-b2742739.html