Stephen A. Smith says he'd consider a presidential run if he had a 'legitimate shot'

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith said Thursday he has no interest in running for public office and would consider launching a campaign for president only if he had a “legitimate shot” at winning.

In an interview on ABC’s “The View,” host Sunny Hostin asked Smith about his political ambitions, noting some people have said they could see him running for president.

“Would you do that? You think you’re qualified to run for president?” Hostin asked.

“Hell, no,” Smith responded, without indicating which question he was answering. He added: “I have said this on many occasions. The answer would be, ‘Hell no,’ because I like my life. I’m living a pretty good life.”

“But I must confess, I wish I could debate some of these guys. I’d love to be on the debate stage going up against these guys with the presidency on the line.”

Smith then hedged slightly, outlining a scenario in which he makes a bid for the White House.

“I’m half joking, but I kind of mean it,” Smith said. “I mean, I have no desire to be a congressional figure or a senator, but if you came to me and you told me I had a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States of America, I would definitely consider it.”

If he were to run for president, Smith said he would do so as an independent “because I don’t like either side, and I’m not going to be bought and paid for.”

“I’m going to do what I believe is in the best interest of the American people, whatever that may be, and I’m going to make my decisions and I’m going to stand on them.”