Mark Cuban, the billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks and “Shark Tank” panelist, hinted that he may challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 — as a Republican.
“I think there is a place for somebody who is socially a centrist, but I’m fiscally conservative,” Cuban told TMZ boss Harvey Levin Sunday night on Fox News’ “OBJECTified.”
“But I think there’s better ways now to make government smaller than the traditional Republican ways — again, using technology,” he said.
“Government as a service can have a real impact on how we live our lives,” Cuban said, sounding very much like a politician.
Also Read: Mark Cuban Is 'Considering' a Presidential Run (Audio)
“I’ve always been very apolitical until this past election,” said Cuban, who spoke favorably of Trump when he first entered the race but then strongly backed Hillary Clinton in the general election.
“We’re going into an era where people want somebody who comes up with solutions, we’re going into a time where you need somebody who can connect to people and relate to people at a base level and appreciate what they’re going through, and I think I qualify on each of those,” he said.
“I wouldn’t run unless I have solutions,” said Cuban, who described himself as “fiercely independent” but one who would run as Republican if forced to make the choice. “I’m a concerned American citizen.”
Also Read: Mark Cuban Warns Trump of 'Blowback' for 'Condemning' a Sport (Video)
He’s also a citizen who has some clear ideas about how to tackle pressing political issues — like health care — and has substantial financial resources if he chooses to challenge another billionaire for the White House.
On health care, Cuban said, “I think I have something that can be a repeal-and-replace and cover 100 percent of the people that have to buy individual mandates.” Still, he said, “I don’t have to run in order to introduce it.”
Watch a portion of the interview above.
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