Pod Save America Inside 2024 (Full Episode): John Legend on Celebrities Getting Political, Endorsing Biden, and Avoiding a Second Trump Presidency
May 29, 2024
John Legend, an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and activist known for his work with Barack Obama, joins Jon Favreau to explore the significant role of celebrity endorsements in the political arena. They discuss how his early political awareness shaped his activism and the responsibilities celebrities have in shaping public opinion. John highlights the perils of a second Trump presidency and the necessity for voter engagement in the 2024 election. Their conversation intricately examines the balance between celebrity influence and authenticity in politics.
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Early Political Interest
- John Legend's political interest began with Jesse Jackson's 1988 DNC speech.
- As a homeschooled child, he read about civil rights leaders, recognizing politics' importance early on.
First Political Action
- Legend's first political action was protesting the Iraq War.
- He marched in New York City, driven by a sense of urgency and his belief in civic engagement.
Focus on Reform
- Inspired by books like "The New Jim Crow," Legend focused on education and justice reform.
- He's seen progress in decarceration and helped elect progressive DAs in major cities.
