A former cable news host with no political background is exploring a presidential campaign in 2028, insisting his interest is genuine despite the challenges ahead. Don Lemon, who departed CNN after nearly two decades at the network, told listeners on the “Can’t Be Censored” podcast last week that he has begun consulting with experienced campaign operatives to understand what mounting a national race would require.
The longtime broadcaster stated he would be a really good president and described receiving encouragement from supporters urging him to enter the race. Though he has never held elected office, Lemon expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the country.
“So, as we get closer to 2027 or 2028, I’ll see. I’ll decide,” he said, noting that his current responsibilities are already keeping him busy.
Small Donors, Big Ambitions
Central to Lemon’s thinking is a refusal to participate in traditional high-dollar fundraising. He described wanting to pursue the presidency “without having to beg for money,” though he acknowledged such an approach may prove unrealistic given how contemporary campaigns operate. Rather than courting wealthy contributors, he envisions building support through grassroots contributions.
Small donations of $5 or $10 from everyday citizens would power his effort, according to Lemon, who cited financial strain facing many American households. A social media post summarizing the interview framed his concept as a voter-driven movement free from fundraising tedium and has accumulated 44,200 views.
Lemon emphasized that any announcement remains distant. He will not make his intentions known before next year and characterized his outreach to campaign professionals as early-stage fact-finding about logistics and necessary preparation timelines. Multiple conditions must align before he commits to entering the contest, with financing representing the most significant hurdle.
Turbulent Exit From Cable News
Lemon arrived at CNN in 2006 and rose to become one of the channel’s most recognizable personalities before his termination in 2023. His departure followed an on-air comment suggesting Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley had passed her “prime,” along with a Variety investigation detailing allegations of longstanding misogynistic behavior toward women working at the network. He now works as an independent commentator.
His post-CNN career has included its own controversies. Federal civil rights charges led to Lemon’s arrest in January after he filmed footage at a Minnesota church whose pastor is employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a protest. The incident highlighted his shift from television studio to active participation in polarizing national issues.
Broadcasters Eyeing the Race
Other prominent media figures have also entertained public office, though none has formally entered the 2028 presidential field. Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith stated in March that he would entertain a candidacy if victory seemed achievable, while maintaining he has no interest in becoming a politician. Former “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert said in December that he grasps why some Americans want him to run but stressed he “absolutely” should not seek the job.
The string of recognizable broadcasters floating potential bids signals a segment of the electorate drawn to celebrity over traditional political credentials. Whether such interest converts into serious campaigns for any of them remains unclear, as none has moved beyond speculation toward concrete organizing.
Lemon’s exploration stops well short of a formal declaration. He has reached out to political professionals, proposed an unconventional financing strategy and framed his interest as responding to public encouragement rather than personal ambition. Yet he also made plain that the ultimate choice belongs to him and will not arrive until 2027 or 2028.
The path he describes would demand overcoming steep obstacles: launching a first campaign for any office while aiming directly for the presidency, all while rejecting the fundraising infrastructure that traditionally fuels White House bids. Lemon acknowledges the difficulty even as he maintains his seriousness. Should he move forward, voters will determine whether his preliminary exploration evolves into a full candidacy.
