(The Center Square) — U.S. Sen. John Kennedy has never been particularly shy about calling politicians he dislikes “goobers.” Now, the Louisiana Republican says if there’s a presidential field crowded with candidates he considers “goobers” he might consider running himself.

On Sunday, the senator offered perhaps the most Kennedy-esque explanation possible for what could draw him into the race.

“On my side of the aisle, if a bunch of goobers run, and I think they’re goobers and one of the goobers might win, and I think I could do a better job, I would consider running,” Kennedy said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

For now, Kennedy says his focus is another term representing Louisiana in the U.S. Senate.

“What’s the old Judds’ song? ‘Why not me on a rainy day? Why not me to love your blues away?’” Kennedy said. “But I haven’t made a decision.”

Vice President JD Vance is widely regarded as an early favorite. Asked why Republican voters should choose Kennedy over Vance in a hypothetical primary, Kennedy declined the comparison.

“I’m not going to talk about another potential candidate,” Kennedy said. “I’m just not there yet.”

He did, however, say he assumes Vance will run and that he would welcome a competitive field.

Kennedy, 74, was first elected to the Senate in 2016 and won reelection in 2022. His Senate seat is also on the ballot in 2028, leaving him plenty of time to decide whether he wants another six years on Capitol Hill or a shot at moving a few miles down Pennsylvania Avenue.