Don Lemon is the latest media figure to entertain the possibility of running for president. During an appearance on the political podcast Pod Save America, Lemon said he has thought about a future campaign and would consider it if “the right opportunity” came along.
Speaking with guest host Alex Wagner, Lemon acknowledged that the idea comes with obvious drawbacks. He said he regularly hears people suggest he should run, but admitted that the thought of entering politics—and inviting another round of scrutiny—gives him pause.
Lemon pointed to the pressure of modern campaigns, where every past comment can quickly become part of the debate.
Even so, he did not dismiss the possibility. “Do I ever think about it? Yes,” Lemon said. “Could it happen? Yeah, it could happen if the opportunity presented itself, the right opportunity presented itself.”
He later added that while people might laugh at the idea, he believes he could do the job. “I think I could be president of the United States,” Lemon said, adding that he believes he could run the country “better than Donald Trump.”
Lemon also addressed the challenges he believes he would face as a Black candidate. He argued that women and minorities are judged differently in politics, pointing to the experiences of figures such as Hillary Clinton, Nikki Haley, and Kamala Harris.
Lemon said an independent run would likely be difficult, meaning he would “probably have to become a Democrat” if he ever decided to pursue office. For now, though, he said he is not at that stage.
The comments come during a turbulent stretch for Lemon. Earlier this year, he was arrested while reporting on an anti-ICE protest at a church in St. Paul. Lemon later pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the protest and has maintained that he was acting as an independent journalist, not participating in the demonstration.
After his release, he said there had “never [been] a more important time” for a free press to hold people in power accountable.
Lemon’s comments also arrive just weeks after another prominent television personality appeared to move in the opposite direction. Previously, Stephen A. Smith publicly backed away from his own flirtation with a 2028 presidential campaign.
“If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening,” Smith said, effectively ending speculation that he might enter the race.
The ESPN star had previously described himself as open to running after conversations with supporters and political allies, but ultimately decided his current career was too valuable to walk away from.
