Dave Portnoy reveals what could finally push him into politics
Dave Portnoy reveals what could finally push him into politicsoriginally appeared onThe Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as aPreferred Source by clicking here. Dave Portnoy has spent years building one of. . .
Dave Portnoy reveals what could finally push him into politicsoriginally appeared onThe Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as aPreferred Source by clicking here. Dave Portnoy has spent years building one of the most recognizable brands in sports media, but the Barstool Sports founder says there is one thing that could eventually pull him into an entirely different arena. During an appearance onFox News' "Jesse Watters Primetime"on Monday night, Portnoy revealed that growing frustration with the direction of New York City has forced him to reconsider something he once never envisioned: a career in politics. While stopping short of announcing any plans, Portnoy admitted the idea has become more realistic in his mind than ever before and even suggested he would welcome the opportunity to run against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Dave Portnoy says New York has changed his perspectivePortnoy told host Jesse Wattersthat he used to believe he could make a bigger difference through business than public office. "I thought I would never get involved in politics," Portnoy said. That mindset, however, has started to change. "I spend a lot of my day losing my mind with what's happening, especially in New York," he said. Watters then asked whether Portnoy would ever consider challenging Mamdani, and the Barstool founder didn't hesitate. "I would love to run against him. If I were gonna run, it would be here," Portnoy said. He also criticized the direction of the Democratic Party, arguing that it has embraced candidates who are further to the political left in recent elections. 'Maybe I do run in politics'AlthoughPortnoy made it clear he has not decided to enter politics,he acknowledged that the possibility weighs on him more than it once did. He explained that his opinion changes depending on the day. Some mornings, he said, he has no desire to step into what he described as the "mess" of politics. Other days, he feels he has a responsibility to try to make a difference. "Sometimes, I do feel like it's my duty. I can't turn away. I feel like I could make a change. Maybe I do run in politics," Portnoy said. Portnoy also argued that his business experience would give him a different perspective than many elected officials. "I've had a real job. I've done real things," he said, adding that too many politicians have never worked outside government. MORE:Dave Portnoy rips Emmanuel Acho over viral Caitlin Clark comments as WNBA debate intensifiesNo campaign, at least not yetFor now, Portnoy insists there is nothing official to announce. He admitted he has no idea whether he could actually win an election in New York City, saying he's unsure whether the city's demographics would work in his favor. "Can I win here? I don't know," Portnoy said. "I don't know the demographics, if I could get enough votes. "Still, he believes he has earned plenty of support throughout the city thanks to Barstool Sports, his popular One Bite pizza reviews and charitable efforts such as the Barstool Fund, which helped thousands of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether those comments ever turn into a campaign remains to be seen. But after years of insisting politics wasn't for him, Portnoy made one thing clear Monday night: it's no longer an idea he's willing to completely dismiss. More WNBA news: