A former cable news personality is publicly exploring whether to seek the presidency in 2028, describing his interest as genuine and saying he has begun consulting with campaign professionals about what such an effort would entail.
Don Lemon, who worked at CNN until his 2023 firing and now operates as an independent commentator, told the “Can’t Be Censored” podcast last week that he is “totally serious” about considering a White House bid. He said he has been contacting operatives with experience running national races and believes he could perform well in the role despite having never held elected office.
The ex-anchor acknowledged his lack of political background but said he has confidence in his capacity to lead the country. He told listeners that supporters have urged him to enter the race and that he thinks he would excel at serving as president of the United States and perform the job well.
Conditions for Entering the Race
Lemon laid out specific prerequisites that would need to fall into place before he commits to running. Chief among them is finding a way to compete without constantly pursuing donations, a condition he admitted might be unrealistic given how modern campaigns operate. He described wanting to build a movement supported by everyday citizens and small contributions instead of the traditional fundraising grind.
Rather than chasing large checks, he said he imagines raising money through $5 or $10 gifts from regular people who are themselves facing financial strain. A social media post summarizing the interview drew 44.2K views and framed his approach as one powered by voters rather than fundraising tedium.
No firm decision will come soon. Lemon made clear he will not announce anything before next year and characterized his current outreach as exploratory. He said his conversations with experienced political hands are meant to help him understand the requirements and timeline for launching a serious campaign.
“So, as we get closer to 2027 or 2028, I’ll see. I’ll decide,” he said, noting that his schedule is currently full with other commitments.
Turbulent Departure From Cable News
The journey that brought Lemon to this point has been rocky. He started at CNN in 2006 and became one of its most prominent on-air figures before the network terminated him in 2023. His exit followed an on-air comment suggesting then-Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was no longer in her “prime,” along with a Variety report that detailed allegations of longstanding misogyny toward female coworkers. He has since worked as an independent commentator.
That independent work has included its own controversies. Lemon was arrested in January on federal civil rights charges after filming video at a Minnesota church demonstration involving a pastor who works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident highlighted his shift from the anchor desk into the center of polarizing national debates.
Other Broadcasters Testing the Waters
He is not alone among media figures whose names have come up in early 2028 speculation. Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith said in March he would contemplate running if he thought victory was possible, though he emphasized he has no interest in becoming a politician. Former “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert remarked in December that he grasps why some want him to pursue office but stressed he “absolutely” should not.
The string of prominent broadcasters dipping their toes into potential races signals a hunger among certain voters for candidates who carry name recognition over legislative résumés. Whether any such figure can translate fame into a functioning campaign remains unproven, and none has made concrete moves toward officially running.
At this stage, Lemon’s ambition is more possibility than declaration. He has spoken with campaign insiders, sketched out an unusual fundraising vision and framed his interest as driven by encouragement from others rather than personal ambition. Yet he has also been explicit that the ultimate choice rests with him and will not arrive until 2027 or 2028.
The path he is describing poses steep challenges: a political novice aiming for the presidency while trying to bypass the traditional donor infrastructure that fuels such efforts. Even as he insists his consideration is sincere, Lemon appears conscious of the obstacles. If he does eventually run, voters will decide whether his preliminary exploration becomes a full-fledged campaign.
