Former CNN host Don Lemon revealed he is "totally serious" about considering a presidential run, citing public interest and a desire for a campaign driven by citizens rather than large donations.
During a podcast interview, Lemon stated that people have been repeatedly asking him if he intends to run for president and that he believes he would be a "really good president of the United States." He elaborated that his ideal campaign would be voter-citizen-driven, aiming to avoid extensive fundraising. "I would rather the people of the United States to say, 'That's the guy that we want. I'm gonna give him five dollars or $10' or something that doesn't break the bank because I know that the economy is tough," Lemon said.
Lemon also offered criticism of former President Donald Trump's economic policies, arguing they primarily benefited the wealthy and those with 401(k)s, rather than working-class individuals.
He indicated that he has "dipped [his] toe into it" and "dabbled," speaking with people experienced in politics about what a presidential campaign would entail and the timeline for entering the race. Lemon suggested that he would make a final decision as the 2027 or 2028 election cycle approaches, though he currently has "enough on [his] hands."
This is not the first time Lemon has publicly considered a presidential run. In March, he floated the idea on the "Pod Save America" podcast, stating, "Could it happen? Yeah, it could happen if the opportunity presented itself, the right opportunity presented itself." At that time, he also expressed a belief that he could lead the country better than Trump and acknowledged that such an endeavor could significantly alter his life.
Lemon previously noted that he would likely need to change his political affiliation from independent to Democrat if he were to pursue office. He also drew a parallel to Barack Obama's unexpected rise to the presidency, suggesting that past perceptions do not always dictate future possibilities in politics.