‘I’d be a really good president’: Don Lemon says voters could decide his 2028 White House run

WASHINGTON, DC: Former CNN host Don Lemon says he is "totally serious" about the possibility of a 2028 presidential run, revealing that he would consider entering the race if voters show they want him to run.

Lemon discussed his political future during an appearance on the 'Can't Be Censored' podcast with hosts Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong, where he said he would prefer a campaign driven by grassroots support rather than major donors.

Don Lemon says he could be a ‘really good president’

When asked whether he had "political ambition," Lemon said he was unsure but acknowledged that the question has continued to come up.

"I don't know, I might," Lemon said.

The former CNN host added that he does not find many of the names currently being discussed for the 2028 presidential race particularly "impressive." He also argued that political experience is not necessarily a requirement anymore, pointing to President Donald Trump's 2016 victory despite having no prior political background.

"It seems in this day and age, you don't have to have a ton of political experience," Lemon said. "Because our current president has had none. That's very obvious. I think that he could have done a better job if he would actually listen to people. But he doesn't. He thinks he knows everything."

Lemon went further, saying, "I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States. I'm being totally serious."

When asked what would convince him to run, Lemon gave one condition: "For the people to want me."

Don Lemon calls for grassroots support over big donors

Lemon explained that if he launched a presidential campaign, he would want it to rely on everyday Americans rather than wealthy donors and traditional fundraising networks.

"What it would take is if I ran a political campaign, a presidential campaign, I would like to run it, and I don't know if this is realistic or not, without having to beg for money," he said.

"I would like it to be a voter-citizen-driven campaign for as much as it can be."

He added that he would rather see Americans contribute small amounts, such as five or ten dollars, instead of depending on major financial backers, noting that many people are dealing with economic challenges.

Don Lemon criticizes Donald Trump's economic policies

During the podcast appearance, Lemon also criticized Trump's handling of the economy, arguing that the president has not done enough for working-class Americans.

"He's not doing a great job for the working-class people, for the American economy," Lemon said.

"He's doing a fantastic job for his rich friends and for people who happen to have 401Ks and investments."

Lemon was removed from CNN in April 2023 and later launched his independent platform, 'The Don Lemon Show', which airs on YouTube and other platforms.

He has continued covering politics and current events while building an audience outside traditional television news.