On Basketball, Politics & Life (with Bill Bradley)
Feb 15, 2024
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Former Senator and NBA champion Bill Bradley reflects on his life's path, lessons learned about basketball, politics, and our shared humanity. They discuss the DOJ's handling of legal proceedings involving a sitting president and the potential scenario of a convicted Trump being elected president. The impact of a role model, connecting with the audience, conflict on TikTok, optimism for the country, and a farewell message are also discussed.
Lessons from basketball: teamwork, sacrifice, and the importance of belonging.
Being a champion in basketball and politics: prioritizing team success over individual achievements, practicing empathy, and respecting others.
Bridging racial divides: advocating for empathy, humility, and open dialogue to foster unity and understanding.
Deep dives
Bill Bradley's One-Man Show: Lessons from Basketball and Politics
Bill Bradley, former Senator and NBA champion, discusses his one-man show, Rolling Along, which chronicles his life and its many ups and downs. He emphasizes the importance of belonging and the lessons he learned from basketball, including teamwork and sacrifice. Bradley also reflects on his political career, highlighting the significance of decency and the impact of money in politics. Despite the challenges the country faces, Bradley remains optimistic, believing in the potential for progress and the power of shared humanity.
The Difference Between Being a Star and a Champion
Bradley explains the distinction between being a star and a champion, drawing from his experience in basketball and politics. He emphasizes that being a champion entails prioritizing the success of the team over individual achievements, exhibiting selflessness, and working towards a common goal. Bradley highlights the importance of respecting and understanding others, and not looking down on those we disagree with or do not fully understand.
Lessons on Race and Humanity
Reflecting on his time as a basketball player and politician, Bradley shares the insights he gained about race in America. He discusses the valuable lessons he learned from his African-American teammates, who helped him see America through their eyes and understand the persistence of racial divisions. Bradley advocates for empathy, humility, and open dialogue as means to bridge racial divides and foster a sense of unity.
The Role of Decency in Politics
Bradley discusses the importance of decency in politics, both in his own approach and in the current political landscape. He underscores the need for respectful dialogue, understanding, and the ability to give opponents the benefit of the doubt. Bradley believes that embracing decency and rejecting anger-driven politics can bring about positive change and help move the country forward.
Bradley's Optimism and Hope for America
Despite the challenges facing the country, Bradley remains optimistic about America's future. He believes in the resilience of the country and its ability to overcome crises. Bradley emphasizes the importance of institutions adapting to change, upholding shared values, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. He encourages people to focus on innovation, humanity, and finding common ground in pursuit of a brighter future.
Former Senator and two-time NBA champion Bill Bradley joins Preet to talk about his new one-man show, Rolling Along. In it, he reflects on his life’s path and the lessons he learned along the way about basketball, politics, and our shared humanity.
Plus, how did Special Counsel Hur’s report go public? What happens if Trump is convicted and then elected? And finally, what’s a motion for reconsideration?
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