Kevin O'Leary Blasts Don Lemon — Says, 'I Don't Get Involved In Partisan Politics, I Am Down The Middle' — Only Cares About Small Businesses

Despite selling his company to Mattel in 1999 for billions, Kevin O'Leary is most well-known for his small business advocacy through his time on ABC's popular show "Shark Tank."

Startups and small businesses are a vital part of the economy, making up 44% of economic activity. Startups are an integral part of innovation and progress around the world and often make their founders and investors like O'Leary lots of money in the process. 

O'Leary recently defended his advocacy in an interview with political commentator Don Lemon. In a recent fiery exchange on "The Don Lemon Show," O'Leary vehemently denied any interest in partisan politics, emphasizing his focus on small business advocacy. During the interview, Lemon probed O'Leary about potential political donations, specifically inquiring whether he would support former President Donald Trump.

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"To either side, Don. I don’t get in partisan politics," O'Leary said. "I am down the middle. Down the middle." 

Despite Lemon's persistence to clarify his stance, O'Leary stood firm, refusing to be swayed into partisan discussions, saying, "You’re not going to pigeonhole me with either [President Joe] Biden or Trump. Not gonna happen, Don, so don’t waste your time."

The entrepreneur highlighted his dedication to small businesses, which he said make up 66% of the U.S. economy. 

"If you want to hold a rally for small business, I'll gladly be the keynote but if you want to get into partisan politics that's no good for me," O'Leary said. "I care about policy and helping small businesses."

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The dialogue took a slight turn when Lemon hinted at O’Leary's financial interests, suggesting that the only Green Party he favors is money. O'Leary chuckled at the remark but countered this by aligning himself with the relentless work ethic of entrepreneurs.

"I belong to the part of that entrepreneur next door here in Miami that is working 25 hours a day, eight days a week trying to get their business started," he said. "That is one-third of America at any one time."

This isn't to say that O'Leary has never gotten into politics. In recent months, he has commented on the New York ruling against Trump, saying it was by a "rogue judge" and that it might deter foreign and domestic investors from putting money into New York. 

"You don't want to mess with that," O'Leary said. 

O'Leary has invested more than $8.5 million in over 40 startups and small businesses during his 21 seasons on the show, according to TheStreet. This includes one of the most successful exits on the show ever when O'Leary invested $125,000 for a 5% stake in Basepaws, a pet DNA testing startup that sold for over $50 million. 

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