Mark Cuban ‘Wide Open’ to Discussing VP Spot With Clinton and Trump
— -- A version of this story was posted on ESPN.com and the content comes from ESPN Radio’s “Capital Games” podcast
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he is “wide open” to the possibility of becoming a vice-presidential candidate, and said he’s looking forward to discussions with both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, should they ask for a meeting.
Cuban, appearing on ESPN Radio's “Capital Games” podcast, said "what makes me a different candidate for vice president is that I'm a geek working in the tech industry. It's important for presidential candidates to be tech savvy, none are right now."
Cuban, the star of ABC’s "Shark Tank," called himself "fiercely independent," and said he is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. Still, he says he’s been in touch with Clinton aides after saying publicly that he’d be willing to discuss a spot on her ticket should she win the nomination.
"I’m wide open to it, and in terms of discussing the vice presidency. I got asked the question, ‘Would I consider it,’ and the answer is yes," Cuban said.
While he hasn’t been in touch with Donald Trump’s camp –- and he has been critical of Trump’s lack of substance as a candidate –- Cuban said he’d be willing to discuss a spot on the ticket with Trump as well.
“It’s not really a matter of whether or not I agree with them. It’s a matter about whether or not I can add value and whether or not I can impact any perspective and hopefully have a positive impact on the country,” he said.
“I’m not here to tell you that I’m the only person capable of doing this. I’m not. I’m not here to tell you I’m the smartest person capable of doing this. I’m not. But what I am -- what I will say that I am is that I’m willing. And sometimes that’s the big difference.”
You can listen to the interview here: http://es.pn/25kpQzr
When asked what the chances were Cuban could be on either ticket in November, he said, "Slim to no chance I'm on the ticket this year,” but added, “slim hasn’t left town yet.”
Cuban said if he were to seek office he would not sell the Mavericks.
"I would remove myself from the group of decision makers,'' said Cuban. "It would be put in a trust. I wouldn't be able to deal with it on a daily basis. I wouldn't have to sell it.''
Clinton said during an interview on "Meet the Press" that "I appreciate his openness to it."
