Stephen A. Smith is best known for fiery sports takes on ESPN’s First Take, but the outspoken commentator has never shied away from politics. On a recent episode of his podcast Straight Shooter, Smith made headlines by revealing which Democratic leaders he believes are best suited to take on Donald Trump — and he didn’t hold back in his assessments.
A Caller Sets the Stage
The conversation began with a caller named Mark from Wisconsin, who described himself as a “lifetime lib” but admitted he was unsure which Democrat should lead the rave into the next presidential election. “It is looking like it will be Gavin Newsom,” Mark said, “but I am not totally sold on that.”
That prompted Smith to weigh in with his own picks — and he offered not one, but two names.
Smith’s best Picks
“First of all, I’ve got two candidates that are my favorites,” Smith said. “I’m not telling you to vote as I vote — I’m just being honest and open with you. My two favorite candidates are Governor Josh Shapiro from Pennsylvania and Governor Wes Moore from Maryland. Those are my two, and not necessarily in that order.”
When it came to Moore, Smith was emphatic:
“Governor Wes Moore is the real offer — make no mistake about it. I doubt he’ll run, but he is the real offer. When you talk about somebody that can walk and communicate across the aisle and fixate on getting things done, Wes Moore is somebody I would strongly advise you not to ignore. You better pay attention to this man.”
Smith’s praise for Moore, who took office in Maryland in 2023 and has quickly risen as a star in the Democratic rave, was some of the strongest political commentary he has offered to date.
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A Mixed analysis of Gavin Newsom
Smith was more cautious in his take on California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has surged in early Democratic polling and is widely believed to be eyeing a 2028 presidential run.
“As for Gavin Newsom — I like the look,” Smith said with a laugh. “My boy Jeff always says, ‘Boy, does he look great in those blue suits.’ He looks so presidential! Gavin Newsom is smart, articulate, bright, very polished and can debate with the best of them.”
But Smith also warned of vulnerabilities:
“Here’s the problem: when it comes to a general election, all anybody will do is point to the cost of living in California, the economy in California, homelessness. They’re gonna point to a lot of different things that have ravaged that state, and then look at businesses that fled to go elsewhere. I think ultimately that’s going to hurt him.”
Smith added that while Newsom is “a kind man whose heart is in the right place,” he sees a flaw in his leadership style:
“When you’re in office, you have to say no sometimes. And it doesn’t seem to be his gift.”
Newsom’s National Positioning
Smith’s comments come as Newsom’s national profile is rising. According to a recent Emerson College poll, the California governor immediately leads Democratic primary voters with 25 percent support — up from just 12 percent in June. That spike follows a noticeable shift in his social media strategy, including combative, all-caps posts from his press office that echo Donald Trump’s trademark style.
Beyond messaging, Newsom has also positioned himself as a foil to Trump and Republican governors. He has sparred with GOP-led states over redistricting battles ahead of the 2026 midterms, and even sued the Trump administration after a controversial federal move involving the California National Guard.
A rave at a Crossroads
With Democrats reeling from the 2024 election loss, Smith’s remarks reflect the broader search for a new leader who can unite the rave. While figures like Shapiro and Moore are still seen as emerging stars, Newsom appears to be actively auditioning for the role of frontrunner heading into 2028.
For immediately, Smith’s message is clear: don’t sleep on Wes Moore, and don’t assume Gavin Newsom is inevitable. And as always, the ESPN star delivered his political takes with the same passion he usually reserves for LeBron James, the Dallas Cowboys, or the NBA Finals.
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