General Hospital
Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Host and ‘General Hospital’ Recurring Guest Star, “Leaving All Doors Open” to Presidential Bid in 2028
Soap fans know Stephen A. Smith from his role as one of Sonny’s (Maurice Benard) right hand men, “Brick” on General Hospital, while ESPN sports fans know Stephen A. for his often fiery commentary on the top stories of the day. But, will Stephen’s next move be as a Democratic presidential nominee in 2028?
After appearing at the the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in Las Vegas, Smith posted an article about the speculation and wrote on his account on X, “Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I’m officially leaving all doors open.” Smith recently signed what is reported as a $100 million dollar 5-year deal with ESPN.
Taking to the stage at the Broadcasters convention, Smith elaborated t0 long-time media consultant Mike McVay. “I have no desire to do it. You just articulated my contract extension. I’m living pretty good. I personally perceive politicians being professional beggars. You always have your hand out and people need something in return.”
Photo: ABC
However, Stephen added that in recent weeks he has reconsidered his position, “Over the last few weeks, I had to get a little more serious about it.” Smith boasted, “Imagine me on a debate stage with these people, these politicians. This is what I do for a living. I am not a politician. I don’t have a political record for them to lean on. I can challenge what you literally say (as politicians). They would all know more than me at this particular time, but they have a record to address.” Stephen A. noted he won’t make a definitive decision until late in 2026.
Photo: ABC
Smith first appeared on General Hospital back in 2007 as a reporter during the Metro Court hostage crisis. A longtime fan of the series and in particular of the characters of Sonny and Carly (Laura Wright), Smith eventually was given the role of “Brick” starting in 2016.
Photo: ABC
When he debuted, “Brick” was known as a top-notch security consultant, and has returned numerous times over the last nine years to the ABC daytime drama series including this year in 2025; always help Sonny takedown who ever is trying to gain the upper hand on his territory in Port Charles, or those aiming to do harm to him and/or his loved ones.
So, what do you think of Stephen A. Smith seriously considering a run as the 2028 Democratic nominee for President of the United States? Comment below.
Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess.
So I’m officially leaving all doors open https://t.co/n6BmAOKjiv
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 7, 2025
Guess what? The only person saying he should run is Stephen A Smith. No one is urging him to run as he maintains. The guy is an unqualified narcissist who makes ignorant statements not backed up by facts. He is a one man PR machine for himself. Let’s not give him the attention he is so desperately seeking. Right now we are living the nightmare of an unqualified, narcissistic celebrity serving as president. I don’t care if he’s a Democrat or a Republican, no more of this.
One hundred percent in agreement with your thoughts on this man. I cannot fathom how low the bar is for people to just throw their hats into the ring to run for POTUS. The equally frightening part is that people just as ignorant get a vote, and can (and do) put these unhinged, unqualified, uneducated, people into office.
It’s disconcerting for sure. Right now, with our country suffering from a constitutional crisis, this kind of talk is not helpful. Mr Smith can fight the good fight as a US citizen by calling his representatives, participating and organizing protest marches and use his influence to generate change. If he sincerely wants to obtain governing experience, he could start at the local level such as running for a seat on the board of supervisors in his district. As I said, HE is the one who keeps calling for HIM to put his hat in the next presidential race. Even his work associates joke about it. It’s embarrassing, and I wish he would just stop.
Harry…oh, I agree with you…TOTALLY!!!!! His GH character (and what kind of name is Brick anyway…lol) totally turns my stomach. To me, that clown has the face and look of an abusive psychopath. NO, NO AND MORE NO!!!!!
You really think you did something clever.
The guy is an ego maniac. No. No matter how much his invisible friends urge him to, he should NOT run for president.
I say go for it and let the voters decide. I can assure him though, he’ll never have my vote. I also despise his character on GH, just sayin’….Also, I’m not a sports fan, so I had no idea who he was except for GH.
Enough of this dragonshit. I’m going to run for President myself. How’s this for a bumper sticker slogan?
SATAN 2028 : Why settle for the lesser evil?
Hell, I’d vote for you over this guy or over the present regime for that matter. Great slogan!
If only I could vote.
You’d have my vote, Satan!
SATAN 2028: When You Hit Rock Bottom, Keep Digging!!
Oh please don’t. The guy flatters himself. While he might be an excellent sportscaster, he’s a lousy actor and would be an even worse president. We have living proof that celebrities with no experience or education in matters of governance, make disastrous presidents. I don’t know why Smith keeps talking about this but it appears to be a one sided conversation.
I can’t stand the character; I can’t stand the actor. He’s so completely clueless yet spews things as if he’s an expert. There needs (and has needed to be) a much higher set of qualifications to run for any elected office, let alone the President of the United States. The way it is is absurd. Absolutely surreal.
It’s not a big secret why you don’t like this character.
Why don’t I like this character? Because he comes off like a sleazy pimp; the way he talks, moves. Nothing about him to like. Never liked the character. But you seem to be implying something else.
I was implying that you’re a racist because you have repeatledly counted the number of black people on soaps.
Yeah I knew what you were implying. I just wanted you to admit it. Just shows you missed every point I made and guess what. I’m going to repeat it not for your benefit, but just so your comment isn’t left standing without context. What I SAID was, and STILL say, is that the black community is the ONLY minority to have a good representation on soaps. There is not ONE JEWISH character on GH. NOT ONE. There is Dr. O and Brad; the Asian characters. There are the Italian characters, the Latin characters, There are gay characters, a transexual…but not ONE Jewish character. We’ve had many Jewish actors, but for some reason GH will not write a Jewish character into the show, unless, like years ago, he was stereotypical Bernie. There was Matt Cohen, Tamara Braun, Rena Sofer, Amanda Setton, Stuart Damon, Sean Kanan, and other Jewish actors, and not ONE played a Jewish character. So yeah, when I hear complaints that there aren’t enough black characters on the show, I have counted how many there ARE on the show. It’s the same reason I’m not going to watch The Gates. I represent me and mine, just like the black community, the LGBTQ community, and every other community wants representation. If you can’t understand that, I truly don’t care. But don’t pull that racism card on me. I’ve made a point and racism isn’t it.
Bye Felicia.
I was a complete jackass when I made that comment and it was uncalled for. I apologize for offending you.
Thank you; I appreciate the apology.
Correction to my reply; Mrs. Wu, not Dr. O.
He was on Overtime with Bill Mahar and had a spirited conversation with Jesse Eisenberg two months back… on youtube
I saw that and he’s very entertaining but that doesn’t mean he’s presidential material. He’s a narcissist and his every sentence begins with “ I.” Meanwhile, he doesn’t bother researching the topics he has strong opinions about and he has no plans or strategies.
Did you miss what Jessie called him ? My comments stated “spirited” and were in support of Rebecca1’s.
Plus I have my own country’s upcoming election to worry about.
He’s a fool. He had Candace Owens on his podcast. If you’re not familiar with her she’s a vile, despicable female Hitler. She’s black; was one of Trump’s first black supporters, and was loved by his white supporters to prove that
Trump’s not a racist. She proceeded to spew vile things about the black community, the gay community, unattractive people; there’s not a “people” she hasn’t disparaged in the most hateful way. She then latched on to Jew hate going so far as to say she admired Hitler. She then said if she gets killed blame it on the “Zionists.” I think since Jew hate has become the “in_thing again she’s riding the wave; I think she make money off of spewing her hate. And THAT creature is who Stephen Smith had on his show. I didn’t listen to it; just saw his face with hers on Instagram and immediately blocked him because I don’t even want his posts coming across my feed. Even before I loathed the man, I didn’t like “Brick.” Comes off like a pimp to me. Always did.
Hi Rebecca1. Yes, I have watched a few of her clips on YouTube. I was pretty shocked by many of her views. My city has always had a large Jewish community and my first employer was a wonderful Jewish man who I learnt so much from, I worked for him for ten years, 1980 to 1990. I came out in 1984, and sexual rights were secured in my province in 1987. I wish you all the best Rebecca1, we all must stay strong with our believes.
Thank you once again GH fan. I appreciate you.
You may enjoy reading about one of my Provence’s favourite son, Israel Harold “Izzy” Asper.
Wow; impressive man and family. Thank you for letting me know about him. I must admit I hadn’t heard about him until you suggested I read up on him.
Please don’t quit your day job.
I love his character as Brick on GH.
And preferrably the sports job; this job he can.
It’s a “NO” from me on this one.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, getting to the bottom of truth is paramount for several characters, but who will continue to lie and who might break?
In the latest video spoilers for the week of October 19-23, Sonny (Maurice Benard) needs to prove that he is innocent in orchestrating the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). His girlfriend, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor), wants to seemingly turn him to as she is seen saying, “I won’t give up until Sonny is behind bars,” to none other than Drew (Cameron Mathison)!
Meanwhile, it looks like Sonny has pulled Jason back in to to help him clear his name telling him to, “Find out whatever you can.” Later, we see Jason (Steve Burton) posing the question to someone, “Did you frame Sonny for it?” Did he go to Pentonville to confront Sully?
Photo: ABC
Elsewhere, Chase (Josh Swickard) and Monet (Blythe Howard) get set to dissolve Chase’s marriage to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) who now has lawyered up with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). Monet tells Chase, “We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Chase fires back ,“I don’t want a battle!” Is the battle over baby Phoebe, or a down and dirty fight just to get a divorce?
Then, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) is reeling with happiness in the best possible way, after apparently sharing four kisses with mysterious stranger Jude (Wil Traval) at the Brown Dog Bar. Britt tells Lucas (Van Hansis) all about her evening. But, who is Jude and did he target Britt, or is he truly enamored with her? Stay tuned.
SPOILERS
Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 19-23.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Britt makes an intriguing deal. Trina is unsettled. Anna checks in on Sonny. Carly gets the third degree from Lucas. Jason calls out Serena.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Carly puts her heart on the line. Alexis delivers shocking news to Valentin. Sonny has a warning for Jason. Justine makes Drew an offer. Portia is wary of Monet.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Anna seeks out Valentin. Britt’s attitude raises eyebrows. Molly seeks Alexis’s advice. Jason makes an offer to Lucy. Tracy and Cody catch up.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Britt has juicy gossip for Lucas. Chase is thrown for a loop. Emma puts on her detective hat. Michael and Jordan await medical news. Ava is put on the spot.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Ava pitches a dangerous plan to Drew. Jason calls out Josslyn. Ric and Monet go toe to toe. Lulu is discouraged. Sonny dangles a tantalizing deal.
Take a look at the latest GH promo, “Worst Case Scenario” below.
Now weigh-in: Will Jason figure out that Drew and Ava were behind framing Sonny? Do you want Chase to get parental rights to baby Phoebe? Do you like the attraction between Britt and Jude, or is something more nefarious going on with the guy? Let us know in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes
It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.
In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.
However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).
Courtesy/ABC
MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE
Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!
“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”
STAYING CAMERA READY
However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.
So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”
While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.
Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”
Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
The Friday, October 16 episode of General Hospital marked the on-screen debut of the mysterious Jude, played by primetime vet and Australian-born Wil Traval.
While not much has been revealed just yet, Traval spoke to TV Insider in his first conversation since joining the iconic ABC soap opera in a new interview out today.
As GH fans witnessed, Jude was introduced in scenes at a bar with Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and it would seem this may be her new leading man after things went south between Britt and Jason (Steve Burton). Traval said of working with the Daytime Emmy-winning Thiebaud, “I can’t speak more highly of her. I think she’s fantastic. It’s the biggest delight in my life to be working with her.”
Courtesy/ABC
FROM BROKEN BACK TO PORT CHARLES
As it turns out, Wil was supposed to be on board for a very short visit to Port Charles. However, as he revealed, things didn’t go the way he planned and his stay got extended!
“Originally, it was going to be a short guest role, I believe, and at the end of the week I got a call saying they might want to offer me a contract on the show, which was a real surprise and delight.” the actors shared. “And the rest is history from there.”
The road to General Hospital was not an easy one in some other respects. Traval was in the middle of recovering from a car accident that broke his back when he got the call to submit a self-tape for the role of the mysterious stranger back in June. Suddenly, he found himself getting a callback which in turn led to a chemistry read with Kelly Thiebaud.
WHO IS JUDE?
In the week to come, General Hospital viewers will learn Jude’s connections to the residents of Port Charles and his true identity.
With an Australian contingent on the canvas, and its tentacles throughout GH history including: Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer); Robert Scorpio (the late Tristan Rogers); and Josslyn’s father Jax (last played by Ingo Rademacher), and Jerry Jacks (last played by Sebastian Roche), one would think Jude HAS to be tied to these characters from down under, or does he?
So, what did you think of Wil Traval’s on-screen debut as Jude? Who do you think he will be revealed to be connected to? Do you think Jude will make a solid leading man for Kelly Thiebaud’s Britt Westbourne in story? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
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