Former CNN anchor Don Lemon called on Democrats to aggressively target Republicans with lawsuits if the party regains control of Washington, arguing that voters want leaders willing to “fight back.”
Lemon delivered the fiery message Thursday during an appearance on “The Bakari Sellers Show,” where he told host Bakari Sellers that Democrats must stop acting timidly and embrace a more combative approach.
According to Lemon, voters are looking for “someone who’s going to fight back, who’s not afraid of fighting back, who’s not afraid of getting in the arena.”
Lemon argued that whoever Democrats nominate in 2028 should present a clear agenda, promise accountability and pursue the policies sought by Democratic and progressive voters.
He cited affordable health care, protecting civil rights and requiring wealthy Americans to pay what he described as their “fair share” in taxes.
Lemon then rejected the notion that a future Democratic administration should avoid directly targeting Republicans.
“Go after them, sue them, tie them up in lawsuits, make sure that they’re held accountable because if they’re not, they’re going to try it again,” he said.
He argued Democrats must prevent women’s rights, Black Americans’ rights and gay rights from being “trampled on.” Lemon also said a secretary should not pay a higher percentage in taxes than a billionaire.
The journalist said he hoped the next president could be a “qualified woman” who would “whip this country into shape.” However, he added that any future Democratic president must metaphorically have the “balls” to tell voters what they intend to do and then follow through.
“We have to stop being afraid,” Lemon said. “We have to stop being mealy-mouthed.”
He criticized Democrats who worry about following political rules or offending people, saying he wants a president willing to provoke those who hold what he considers the wrong beliefs or do not support democracy.
“I want my president to offend people, especially those people who believe in the wrong things, who don’t believe in democracy,” Lemon said.
Lemon also urged Democrats to abandon ideological “purity tests,” stop pushing away allies and prioritize winning elections above other internal disputes.
He contrasted his preferred approach with President Donald Trump, saying Trump has a plan and an agenda even though, in Lemon’s assessment, he lacks the other qualities discussed.
The former CNN host concluded that Democrats must unite behind candidates capable of winning and exercising power without hesitation.
“That’s what we want right now,” Lemon said. “That’s what we need. Everything else is bullsh*t.”
His remarks represented an emphatic demand for Democrats to abandon caution, confront Republicans through the courts and pursue their political agenda if voters return them to power in Washington.
