In an interview posted to social media on Saturday, former CNN host Don Lemon seemed surprised by the response of residents of Atlantic City, New Jersey, when he asked them whether they supported Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
The videos show Lemon approaching people on the streets of the largely Democratic city to solicit their support for two potential presidential candidates in 2024. Some of the interviews released without revealing the names or backgrounds of those interviewed.
One man told Lemon that the United States was “much better” four years ago when Trump was president. When Lemon countered, the man asked if he got his news from CNN, apparently unaware that Lemon was fired by the network in April 2023.
“I was making a lot more money than I am making now,” the man told The Lemon.
“I know that's how you feel, but the actual record says otherwise. The economy is actually doing better under Biden,” Lemon replied, to which the man burst out laughing. “No, I'm serious!”
“Do you watch CNN?” the man asked, apparently unaware that Lemon was a former prime-time host on the network.
“It's not because I watch CNN,” Lemon said.
Hey Jersey… Trump or Harris? 🎤 pic.twitter.com/z4wtsWA2Bb
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) August 17, 2024
A woman then told Mr Lemon she wanted Mr Trump to become president, saying the former president “has a stronger record in the military and in the world in general,” to which Mr Lemon responded by pointing out Ms Harris' experience as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, US senator and vice president.
When asked which candidate he would support for president in 2024, one man told Lemon, “Trump will win.”
“Tell me why,” Lemon challenged.
“I can't say that right now, but I don't think she's fit to be president,” the man said of Harris. “She's [a] Good Vices [president]But it is not suitable for a real leadership role in the country.”
“Does being a woman have anything to do with it?” Lemon asked.
“No,” the man replied, “No, because I feel the same way as a woman… No, I won't allow that.”
Another man agreed to “bet” with Harris, then told Lemon he didn't like her because she “had no experience.” (Related: “Is that a trick question?”: Kamala Harris rally-goers struggle to explain her policies)
“She's the vice president! She's a senator!” Lemon reminded him.
“Oh, no experience. No, no, no,” the man replied. “She has no experience.”
Another man, who said he planned to support the Democrat, told Lemon that Trump “is pretty much a sure thing right now.”
Another man told Lemon he supported Trump and passionately predicted the Republican candidate would win the November election.
“It's not fair to put all these people who came to this country legally, 10,000 to 15,000, maybe 20,000 people, illegally in the country,” the man argued to Lemon. “Have you seen San Diego? They're coming, too. They're coming off the ocean here on boats.”
“Did you know Biden was going to bring you on a plane? Did you know Biden was going to bring you on a plane? Did you know?” the man asked Lemon excitedly, jumping up and down.
Less than 50 miles from the Lemon exchange, in Wildwood, New Jersey, Trump drew about 80,000 to 100,000 attendees on May 12, 2024. President Joe Biden won in 2020. New Jersey The vote share was 57.1%.
