Disgraced Ex-CNN Anchor Eyes Presidential Run

Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor known for his fiery on-air style, has hinted at potentially running for president in 2028. During an interview on his “Can’t Be Censored” podcast, held at his New York City residence on Wednesday, Lemon expressed openness to the idea of mounting a presidential campaign. When asked directly about his intentions, he responded with characteristic candor, stating, “I don’t know, I might, because people keep asking me to do it and if I’m going to do it.” Lemon claimed he believed he could be a competent leader, asserting, “I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States. I’m being totally serious.” He pointed to the current administration's performance, suggesting that the nation’s economic situation and the qualifications of potential rivals could influence his decision. “I look around, you know, and I see the folks who are, you know, possibly in the running, and some of them are impressive,” he remarked. “Many of them, most of them, are not. And it seems in this day and age you don’t have to have a ton of political experience because our current president has none, had none.” He criticized the current administration for failing to support working-class Americans and instead favoring wealthy individuals. “The current president is not doing a great job for the working-class people, for the American economy. He’s doing a fantastic job for his rich friends,” Lemon said. While Lemon acknowledged the logistical challenges of launching a presidential bid, he described his initial steps as tentative. “I’ve stuck my toe into it,” he said. “I’ve talked to people about it, people who have been in politics before, and asked, what would it take? When would I have to get in to do it?” Lemon emphasized his desire to avoid reliance on large donations and maintain his candid communication style. “They tell me, ‘You can’t tell these types of stories during dinner parties if you want to be president of the United States. Because I like to have fun. And I have a potty mouth,’” he quoted others as saying. “I would like to run, and I don’t know if this is realistic or not, without having to beg for money. I would like it to be a voter, citizen-driven campaign for as much as it can be.” He suggested that if he proceeds, voters might contribute small amounts, such as $5 or $10, to support his candidacy. “As we get closer to 2027 or 2028, I’ll see, I’ll decide. But I have enough on my hands right now,” he concluded. Lemon was terminated from CNN in 2023, though no formal explanation was provided. Multiple news outlets, including Associated Press, linked his firing to controversial remarks about then-Governor Nikki Haley, whom he described as not being “in her prime.” If Lemon were to run in 2028, he would be 11 years older than Haley was at the time of his comments. In addition to criticizing the network, Lemon accused CNN’s leadership of harboring racist and homophobic attitudes toward him. “I didn’t think that they treated me with any dignity and respect. I blame the management and the people who are in control … They wanted to get rid of me as the gay black guy. 100% what it was,” he said.