Don Lemon says he is considering a presidential run, puts odds at 65–70%
Former CNN host Don Lemon said on the Uncloseted podcast that he is weighing a presidential run "if the people want me," putting the odds at 65% to 70%. He gave no year.
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The story, neutrally told
Right · 2Former CNN host Don Lemon said on Spencer Macnaughton's "Uncloseted" podcast that he is considering running for president, and put the chance that he eventually does so at 65% to 70%. Just the NewsRC “When asked about the percentage chances that he does end up running one day, he placed it at 65% to 70%.” Read at Just the News ↗ Washington ExaminerR “He said odds are a 65% or 70% chance he’ll make a bid for the White House at some point, “if the people want me.”” Read at Washington Examiner ↗ Right · 2Lemon said, "I never say never," and "If the people want me, I'll do it," while adding that he has a lot on his plate and is aware of the importance of his current work. Just the NewsRC “How serious is it? If the people want me, I’ll do it.” Read at Just the News ↗ Washington ExaminerR ““I never say never. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now doing what I’m doing.” Read at Washington Examiner ↗ Right · 1Just the News reported that Lemon, a Democrat, said fans of his podcast and online commentary show had approached him about running, and that he was torn because a campaign would demand full-time devotion when he wants to focus on journalism. Just the NewsRC “Lemon, a Democrat, said that he has been torn on the topic because running for president would take his full devotion, when he wants to focus on journalism.” Read at Just the News ↗
Right · 1Lemon said, "I think I could be a better president than Donald Trump," according to Just the News. Just the NewsRC “"I think I could be a better president than Donald Trump,'” Lemon said.” Read at Just the News ↗ Right · 1He said that when he covers candidates they are "very good," and that this makes him wonder whether his best role in society is journalism or the presidency. He also said people talk to him as they talk to those candidates. Washington ExaminerR ““It makes me wonder my best way of being and operating in this society, whether it is through journalism or if it is through becoming the president of the United States.””““when I’m out there with [these political candidates], the people are also talking to me in similar ways as they’re talking to them.”” Read at Washington Examiner ↗ Right · 1Lemon did not say which election he has in mind. The next presidential election is in 2028, and the 60-year-old could also run in 2032, Just the News noted. Just the NewsRC “The former CNN host did not indicate what year he was considering running, with 2028 being the next presidential election.” Read at Just the News ↗
Right · 1The Washington Examiner said the remarks again fanned speculation about a 2028 bid, and that Lemon had said in July he would make a "good president." Washington ExaminerR “again fanning the flames of speculation that he’ll contend for the White House in 2028”“Lemon expressed confidence in July that he would make a “good president”” Read at Washington Examiner ↗ Right · 2Lemon was fired from CNN in 2023, and his national profile has since risen as a freelance journalist. The Examiner tied that rise to his coverage of a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota. Just the NewsRC “Lemon, who was axed from CNN in 2023” Read at Just the News ↗ Washington ExaminerR “gained attention nationwide for covering a prominent protest targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota” Read at Washington Examiner ↗ Right · 1On Jan. 18, Lemon was with protesters who interrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, targeting a pastor who works for ICE. Lemon says he was there as a freelance reporter livestreaming the event. Washington ExaminerR “Lemon has said he accompanied the protesters at Cities Church in St. Paul in a freelance reporting role to livestream the episode.” Read at Washington Examiner ↗
Right · 1The government says he took part in the demonstration and violated the First Amendment right to worship. He was charged with conspiring to interfere with religious rights and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. He has pleaded not guilty and in August sought to dismiss the case, arguing his actions were protected as press and protest activity. Washington ExaminerR “Lemon was charged with conspiring to interfere with religious rights and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. He has fought the charges, pleading not guilty and seeking to dismiss the case in August.”“Lemon argued his actions were protected under the First Amendment’s protections for the press and protesters.” Read at Washington Examiner ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.
Left0 outlets
No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Centre0 outlets
No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Right2 outlets
- Framing
- Both outlets report Lemon's remarks as a news item about a former CNN host weighing a run. Just the News stays on the podcast comments. The Washington Examiner adds his legal troubles and describes the remarks as fanning speculation.
- Emphasis
- Just the News stresses fan support and the 2028/2032 timing. The Examiner stresses the 70% figure and the criminal case over the St. Paul church protest.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Neither outlet includes a response from Lemon's representatives, from the Democratic Party or from other parties. Just the News does not mention the criminal charges.
- Charged language
- “axed from CNN”“fanning the flames of speculation”“offered himself up as a prime politician”
- For example
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“Lemon, who was axed from CNN in 2023” — Just the News
“again fanning the flames of speculation that he’ll contend for the White House in 2028” — Washington Examiner
“Lemon again offered himself up as a prime politician” — Washington Examiner
What every side reports
- Lemon, a former CNN host, said on the Uncloseted podcast that he is considering a presidential run.
- He put the odds of running at 65% to 70% and said 'if the people want me.'
- He said he would also like to keep devoting his time to journalism.
Don Lemon person
Lemon says he is open to a run if enough people want it, believes he could be a better president than Donald Trump, and is torn because he wants to keep doing journalism. He says he is not silenced and rejects the charges against him.
“If the people want me, I’ll do it.” — Just the News
““I will not be silenced. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,”” — Washington Examiner
Left0 articles
No coverage yet.
Centre0 articles
No coverage yet.
Right2 articles
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Former CNN host Don Lemon considering presidential bid: 'If the people want me, I'll do it'
Neutral Straight report of Lemon's podcast remarks, with his quotes, the odds and the possible election years.
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Don Lemon says up to 70% chance he runs for president: ‘If the people want me’
Mixed Reports the 70% figure as renewed speculation and adds the criminal case over the St. Paul church protest.
- 8 Oct 03:20 First Just the NewsRC Former CNN host Don Lemon considering presidential bid: 'If the people want me, I'll do it'
- 8 Oct 04:02 +42m Washington ExaminerR Don Lemon says up to 70% chance he runs for president: ‘If the people want me’
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.