Gay journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon has doubled down on the possibility of running for president of the United States, saying he is “totally serious” about launching a campaign.
Lemon, who is married to real estate agent Tim Malone, first raised the prospect in April when he suggested he could become the country’s first openly gay president and would be “better than Trump”.
He has now made it clear that the idea is more than a passing thought and says he has already begun exploring what a presidential campaign would involve.
Speaking to Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong on the Can’t Be Censored podcast, Lemon said: “I’m being totally serious.
“I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States. People keep asking me to do it.”
Lemon Has Sought Advice About Launching a Campaign
Lemon said he has spoken with people who have political experience to understand the practical demands of entering a presidential race.
Those conversations have covered campaign logistics and “when [he] would have to get in”.
However, Lemon said he would prefer any potential campaign to be powered by ordinary Americans rather than wealthy donors or major political interests.
“I would rather the people of the United States say, ‘That’s the guy we want,’ and give five or 10 dollars – something that doesn’t break the bank.”
Leaving CNN Changed His View of Voters
Elsewhere in the interview, Lemon reflected on the current state of American politics and how his understanding of voters changed after he left cable news.
“When I was sitting at an anchor desk at CNN, I was in a bubble. Going out and actually talking to voters is where I got the idea.”
Lemon also hinted that he could make a decision about a presidential bid as the next election cycle approaches.
“As we get closer to 2027 or 2028, I’ll see.”
Lemon Previously Said He Could Govern Better Than Trump
In April, Lemon discussed the possibility of running during an appearance on Pod Save America.
“I think I could be president of the United States. I could definitely run this country better than Donald Trump.”
At the time, Lemon suggested he would prefer to run as an independent, although he acknowledged that the structure of the American political system could make that difficult.
He said “there would be a hard time” ahead for an independent candidate, adding: “The way the system is set up, I’d have to choose a side.”
Lemon said that could ultimately require him to join the Democratic Party.
“I probably would have to become a Democrat. Am I at that point now? No. I don’t have the aspiration to become president, but I do think I could run this country better than Donald Trump.”
Lemon came out publicly as gay in 2011. Should he enter and win a future presidential race, he would become the first openly gay president of the United States.
