NBA celebrity LeBron James is the most recent superstar to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her head-to-head matchup with Donald Trump within the 2024 presidential election.
What Occurred: James, who’s at the moment taking part in in his 22nd NBA season, introduced his endorsement of Harris with a social media put up this week.
“What are we even speaking about right here?? After I take into consideration my youngsters and my household and the way they’ll develop up, the selection is obvious to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!” James posted on X and Instagram.
James’ put up got here with a video montage that includes clips of Trump talking that included feedback on race, “taking Black jobs,” referring to the U.S. as a rubbish can for the world, and extra. The video ends with the message, “Hate takes us again” written on the display screen.
The posts have been made on X, the place James has 53 million followers, and Instagram, the place James has 159 million followers.
Many agreed or disagreed with the put up and made positive to let the NBA star understand it. One supporter of James’ put up was former President Barack Obama.
“Thanks @KingJames for utilizing your voice to clarify what’s at stake. Hearken to LeBron, ensure you vote,” Obama stated whereas sharing James’ put up.
James beforehand supported President Joe Biden within the 2020 presidential election, as reported by the New York Submit.
Fellow NBA celebrity and U.S. Males’s Olympic Crew member Steph Curry additionally endorsed Harris for president. Curry spoke in a video performed on the 2024 Democratic Nationwide Conference in August.
“Man, what nice honor it was to signify Crew USA and go on the market and win that gold medal on the Olympics this summer season. That unity on and off the court docket reminded us all that collectively, we will do all issues and proceed to encourage the world. That is why I consider that Kamala as President can convey that unity again and proceed to maneuver our nation ahead,” Curry stated within the video.
Did You Know?
Why It is Necessary: Movie star endorsements of candidates have turn into a giant focus within the 2024 election. Musicians and athletes have backed each Trump and Harris.
NBA gamers have drawn backlash for earlier political activism. A remark from James about Trump in 2018 prompted Fox Information anchor Laura Ingraham to inform the NBA star and different NBA gamers to “shut up and dribble.”
Ingraham stated James “will get paid $100 million a yr to bounce a ball” on the time.
NBA gamers protested a police taking pictures in Wisconsin in 2020, which noticed a number of NBA Playoff video games get postponed.
James is one among many athletes utilizing his voice to be heard, which can draw each reward and backlash and will divide his personal fan base.
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