The Fascinating Life Of Media Giant Ted Turner

He Considered Running for President but Jane Fonda Gave Him an Ultimatum

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Ted, like some other entrepreneurs you may know, thought about transitioning from business to politics. During George W. Bush’s campaign in 1999, Ted thought about challenging him in the political arena. He thought about running as either a Democrat or Independent.

One of his daughters later recalled that her father even set $75 million aside to use for his campaign even though he knew he could lose. But one thing stood in his way — his wife. “Jane Fonda told him she’d leave him if he did. So he didn’t — and she left him anyway,” his daughter said.