Stephen A. Smith gave two options for his favorites to lead the Democratic ticket in 2028: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
In an interview on SiriusXM’s “Straight Shooter with Stephen A,” a self-described “lifetime lib” caller from Wisconsin told Smith that he thought California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) appeared to be the most likely Democratic candidate but added, “I’m not totally sold.”
“You shouldn’t be. You shouldn’t be,” Smith said, interrupting. “Let me tell you something right now: First of all, I’ve got two candidates for you. They’re two of my favorites. Now, I’m not telling you to vote as I vote. I’m just being honest and open with you about who are my two favorite candidates, OK?”
“I love Gov. Josh Shapiro from Pennsylvania and Gov. Wes Moore from Maryland,” he added. “Those are my two and not necessarily in that order.”
Moore earlier this month appeared to close the door on a presidential bid in 2028. Still, Smith urged the caller not to ignore him as a strong potential candidate.
“Gov. Wes Moore is the real deal. Make no mistake about it, I doubt he’ll run, but he is the real deal. When you talk about somebody that can walk and communicate … across the aisle and fixated on getting things done, Wes Moore is somebody that I would strongly, strongly advise you not to ignore,” the sports commentator continued. “You better pay attention to this man.”
Smith said he likes “the look” of Newsom, noting the California governor dons blue suits well: “He looks so presidential, right? And Gavin Newsom is smart, he’s articulate, he’s bright, he’s very polished, and he could debate with the best of them.”
But he noted, in a general election, the fact that Newsom comes from the Golden State could prove a problem, since California has battled a high cost of living, affordability issues and widespread homelessness.
“They’re going to point to a lot of different things that have ravaged that state,” Smith told listeners. “And they’re going to look at businesses that have fled the state to go elsewhere because of the cost of living there, and I think ultimately that’s going to hurt him in a general election.”
“And it really, really comes down to this,” he continued. “Gavin Newsom is a kind man whose heart is in the right place, and he just doesn’t want to say no to everybody. But when you are in office, you have to say no sometimes, and it doesn’t seem to be his gift.”