Overview
- Smith said he is giving strong consideration to appearing on the 2027 presidential debate stage and will spend 2026 studying policy before deciding.
- In a new interview, he called personal finances a major obstacle to running and said nothing definitive is expected until 2027.
- He indicated he would likely run as a Democrat, describing himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal.
- On immigration, he endorsed strong borders and criticized deportation tactics by ICE while faulting approaches under both Biden and Trump.
- He downplayed the idea that racism would derail a campaign, and early indicators show minimal support, with a past poll around 2% and prediction markets under 1% even as President Trump praised him.