(DCNF)—ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith ruled out running for president as a Democrat in 2028 during a CNN appearance Sunday, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s current direction.
Smith said he’s keeping “all doors open” for a potential political run, despite admitting he hates the idea of becoming a politician. During an appearance on “State of the Union With Jake Tapper and Dana Bash,” Smith made it clear this week that a 2028 presidential bid under the Democratic banner is off the table, unless the party undergoes a major overhaul.
“You know what? I’m an independent. I’m a registered independent. I would lean, who leans left. I’m fiscally conservative when it comes to my money,” Smith told host Jake Tapper when asked if he’ll run under the Democratic Party. “I’m socially liberal. I’m liberal when it comes to social issues pretty much across the board. I believe in living and let living.”
While Smith acknowledged he might hypothetically run as a Democrat if forced to choose, he made clear that such a move is unlikely given the current trajectory of the party.
“So I’m a moderate, and I would say if I had to run, it would be as a Democrat, but I’m not happy with the Democratic Party. So the Democratic Party is presently constructed. It would pretty much need to be purged in order for me to assume that I would want to be associated with them and I would garner their support because I don’t like the way they’ve gone about doing a lot of things for a very, very long period of time,” Smith explained. “And I think that I don’t view Donald Trump as winning the election. I view the Democrats as losing the election, as absolutely positively blowing it with some of their actions.”
When asked what exactly the party has done to lose his support, Smith didn’t mince words.
“We know how they go about operating. We know what we lean towards when it came to open borders. We know that the spending was excessive, even though it’s excessive on the Republican side as well. I think a $37 trillion budget when Republicans try to act like it’s just the Democrats, that’s not true, but the Democrats certainly shouldn’t be absolved from blame in that regard,” Smith added.
Smith further criticized the party’s focus on identity politics, excessive government spending, and what he called the psychological damage caused by cancel culture and “woke” ideology.
“But certainly with identity politics, woke culture, cancer culture, I thought that that was something that ravaged our nation psychologically. Because you had people literally scared they were going to lose their jobs if they pronounce the wrong pronoun for crying out loud. It got that bad and I think that that’s one of the reasons that Donald Trump is in office today because so much stuff a lot is focused on the individual as opposed to actual policies itself,” Smith noted.
Since the 2024 election, Smith has repeatedly criticized the Democratic Party for its divisive rhetoric and failure to connect with average voters. Smith cast doubt on Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s viability in 2028, citing what he described as a lack of leadership in the state he governs.
Democrats have struggled to present a unifying message since their 2024 loss, with voters unsure who represents the party’s future. A March CNN/SSRS poll found that over 30% of Americans couldn’t name a Democrat who embodies the party’s core values.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
