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Will Smith
Will Smith
Photo Credit: by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin for FilmMagic

Will Smith Says He's Considering Running For President Someday

In the latest episode of Pod Save America, Will Smith opens up about systematic racism and if he's interested in running for public office.

Will Smith might have dreams of running for public office.

During an appearance on Crooked Media's Pod Save America alongside co-host Jon Favreau he shared his thoughts on potentially running and dug into his feelings on systematic racism.  Smith stopped by to promote the new Netflix series, Amend: The Fight For America.

The actor shared following George Floyd’s death last year that he was searching for a way to help heal America and that a friend helped him get an understanding of the 14th Amendment. "The 14th Amendment is like the all-inclusive amendment that makes clear that all Americans are equal under the law,” Smith said. 

This awakening led him to executive produce and host the six-part docuseries which he hopes will educate Americans. "Ignorance can be educated. Evil is a much more difficult problem," Smith shared. "Fortunately, ignorance is much more prevalent than blatant evil."

On how systematic racism have shaped his worldview, Smith said:

“I've been called [n-word]  to my face probably five or six times. And fortunately for my psyche, I've never been called [n-word] by a smart person. I grew up with the impression that racists and racism were stupid, and they were easy to get around. I just had to be smarter now while they were very dangerous. I had never looked into the eyes of a racist and saw anything that I perceived as intellect.”

Despite the woes that our nation dealt with under Donald Trump’s presidency, Smith mentions he believes we’re living through an unprecedented time in history. His tone when he’s speaking on this topic skews on the optimistic side. 

As for when he plans to run for public office as president, he says: “I think for now I’ll let that office get cleaned up a little bit, and then I’ll consider that at some point down the line.” Smith adds, “I'm hopeful. I believe in understanding between people. I believe in the possibility of harmony.”

Netflix’s Amend: The Fight For America is currently streaming. The series features Mahershala Ali, Laverne Cox, Samuel L. Jackson, Lena Waithe, and more. 

Listen to the entire Pod Save America episode here.