LeBron James is backing Kamala Harris.
On Thursday, October 31, the Los Angeles Lakers star posted his endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate on social media. This was coupled with a video compilation of Donald Trump’s racist and xenophobic statements.
“What are we even talking about here??” James, 39, questioned. “When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!”
The video opens with comic Tony Hinchcliffe, who garnered international criticism for calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” The video then cuts to sound bites from Trump, who discusses previous comments—regarding Black jobs, Detroit, and the Central Park Five, among other topics.
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In between, photos of the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter marches are interspersed with individuals waving Confederate flags. Trump can be overheard in a collection of instances when he appears to promote violence.
The video ends with the words “Hate Takes Us Back,” following a clip of Trump’s appearance on Larry King Live in 1989. There, Trump discussed the Central Park Five, now known as the Exonerated Five. According to The Athletic, HollandWestProductions created the video just for James’ usage.
Lebron James’ Response to the Backlash
After being questioned about the video’s content, LeBron James defended his post. He emphasized his support for Harris’ stance on women’s rights and other key issues. “I wanted to make sure it was seen, heard, and heard with force,” James stated.
He pointed to his desire for a future that aligns with values he holds for his family, particularly as they pertain to women’s rights, adding, “It damn sure wasn’t going the other way.”
The video in question lasts just over a minute and features chosen soundbites from Trump, who purportedly constructed a one-sided narrative. Clips showing Black Americans being assaulted, as well as other graphic visuals, contributed to the video’s inflammatory message.
Critics believe that the video’s cuts and clip selection were designed to draw attention to Harris’ support for issues affecting minority populations, however some questioned the technique as unnecessarily dramatic.
LeBron James, a longtime critic of Donald Trump, has frequently utilized his platform to speak out against Trump’s policies and attitude, portraying himself as a voice for change in American society.
The video continued his outspoken style, but its intensity has raised doubts about prominent personalities’ role in shaping political debate.
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Lebron James’ Political Endorsement
The basketball star has previously spoken out about his political convictions. He supported former Presidents Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. James expressed an opposition to Trump during a 2018 ESPN interview, after which conservative journalist Laura Ingraham famously told him to “shut up and dribble.”
His unreserved support for Harris contrasts with the views of other athletes. Notably, Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the New York Jets, recently sharply condemned celebrity endorsements, criticizing them as influenced by outside interests.
Rodgers said, “If you don’t know what to do on a trade deadline, just ask your favorite celebrity,” referring to what he sees as the commercial incentives behind certain sponsorships.
What Is LeBron James Up to Now?
LeBron James plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and continues to amaze on the court. He recently set a significant milestone by scoring his 40,000th career point.
He became the first NBA player to do so. Off the court, he concentrated on his various business enterprises and charity activities, such as the “I Promise School” in Akron, Ohio, which helps at-risk children.
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LeBron James is much more than an NBA All-Star player. In addition to being a devoted family man, he is well-known as a community leader who is always eager to speak out against social injustices.
He frequently utilizes his platform to call out bad behavior and rally against injustice and inaction on the most pressing issues. LeBron James is well-known as probably one of the greatest NBA players in history, with stats, ring brand, and swag to rival anyone else.
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