Don Lemon, a prominent media figure, has expressed his belief that he would make a formidable presidential candidate, even suggesting he could surpass former President Donald Trump in effectiveness. At 60, Lemon made it clear during a discussion on “Pod Save America” that while he has no current ambitions to pursue the presidency, he is confident in his ability to lead the nation better than Trump.

In an introspective moment, Lemon stated, “I think I could be president of the United States,” acknowledging that such a declaration might be met with skepticism or amusement. He anticipated this comment would capture headlines and provoke laughter among some audiences.

Identifying as an Independent, Lemon mentioned that if he were to enter the political arena, he would likely do so under the Democratic banner. He pondered aloud, “Why can’t I consider running for office? Why can’t I entertain the idea of being president of the United States, especially when we reflect on our current leadership?”

Reflecting on historical precedents, Lemon drew a parallel to former President Barack Obama, who overcame significant doubt to win the presidency in 2008. This comparison suggests that unlikely political victories are indeed possible, encouraging a broader view of who can aspire to the nation’s highest office.

‘Look, why can’t I think about running for office? Why can’t I think about being president of the United States when look at what we have,’ he questioned. 

The former CNN anchor said no one believed former President Barack Obama would take the White House in 2008. 

After CNN Exit, Lemon Pushes New Ventures

‘Anybody ever think that he would become president, that he had that aspiration?’ Lemon said. Unlike Lemon, Obama had a successful career as a US senator before ascending to the most powerful office in the world. 

The journalist also thought he’d be a great candidate to whip a news organization into shape, as he’s been on the inside of it before. 

‘I’m busy, I’m building my own channel, and I’m building my own network, and we’ll see where that goes, but if they dropped me into a news organization, I could fix it up. I could clean up the place. 

‘Don Lemon is ready to conquer the world.’ 

Lemon has been building his own world since 2023, when he was fired from CNN for making controversial comments about women in their 40s being past their prime. 

Since then, Lemon has found himself in legal trouble after his arrest for joining the anti-ICE storming of a Minnesota church in January whose pastor works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Case Sparks First Amendment Debate

 Lemon was released without bail following his first appearance in court in Los Angeles after his arrest.

The ongoing case has become a flashpoint in debates about the First Amendment.

At a charity event, Lemon defended the First Amendment, stating: ‘I’m here just because this is really important, and I believe in freedom of expression. I believe in the First Amendment, freedom of the press, all of those things.

‘I think it’s important for you guys to support that, and especially to support – in this day and age – independent journalism in the media.’ 

The target of the protest was Pastor David Easterwood, and demonstrators said they weren’t protesting his faith, but the fact that he reportedly also works as a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.

Lemon has defended himself and said he was only at the protest to cover it as a journalist. 

Georgia Fort, an independent journalist, was similarly hit with federal charges, but she has also said she was at the protest to report on it.

Trump slams Don Lemon after his Minneapolis church arrest

President Donald Trump laid into ex-CNN host Don Lemon when questioned about his arrest in connection to a church protest in Minnesota last month.

Lemon, 59, was arrested in Los Angeles and indicted Friday for conspiracy to deprive congregants of their rights and interfering with religious freedom in a house of worship.

The charges came after he attended a protest that interrupted a service at Cities Church in St Paul on January 18. He was released without bond after the initial court hearings.

Demonstrators targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who reportedly also works as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.

Lemon insists that although he attended the protest, he was just there to report on it. Another independent journalist, Georgia Fort, was also indicted for attending.

Late on Saturday aboard Air Force One, reporters asked Donald Trump about Lemon’s arrest. The president replied: ‘I don’t know anything about the Don Lemon thing, but he’s a sleazebag.’

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