Transcripts For CNNW CNN Tonight With Don Lemon 20180804 03:

I dont think so. I dont think so. I sit here and say i dont think so. I dont know. Im being serious. If someone tried to recruit lebron to run for president , they said listen, theyve got no one. If you dont run, trumps going win, would you run . Well, in that case, i may. If they have no one, there i believe are some people out there. I hope. But lets see first. Lets see first. We also talked about living while black and how even money and fame Dont Insulate you from racism. Much more on that interview in just a moment. But lets start with the president s week, shall we . I want to bring in cnn Global Affairs analyst max boot and molly ball. Good evening. Good evening. Max, President Trump was on the attack this week, lashing out at everyone, saying that sessions should shut down the mueller investigation, contradicting his National Security team on russia, trying to distance himself from Paul Manafort. What does this tell you about his frame of mind . Well, first, don, let me just say i have to commiserate with you on going from speaking to king james to talk about to a mere serf like me. I know this has to be a comedown. But were looking forward to the interview. In terms of trumps state of mind, its kind of interesting to see because i was looking at the twitter feed just as we came on here. And thats kind of the fever chart of the trump presidency. Thats kind of an ongoing brain scan to show where trump was at. Its pretty obvious that a couple of days ago he was having a meltdown because of the start of the Paul Manafort trial. Thats when he was saying jeff session should end this witchhunt right now, and thats when he was comparing the treatment of Paul Manafort to the treatment of alfonse capone, as he put it, showing he was extremely stressed and very worried about this. He kind of alternates some days he feels like a victim. Other days he feels like hes king of telephone world. And clearly today he is more on the king of the world side. Look agent his tweets theyre basically nonstop boasting about all his tremendous achievements. The one constant is whether he is feeling a victim or feeling king of the world, he is always factually challenged. Today just a couple of hours ago he was bragging about how he has created 5100,0 hundre500,000 ma jobs but he feels compelled to up everything 25 anyway just to boast. I would say going into his weekend in bedminster, judge big the twitter feed he is feeling in a pretty good mood. Molly, the last time he was in bedminster with a lot of problems swirling around the last time he was there, he launched a twitter storm. What should we expect this time . That often happens whether its bedminster or whether its maralago. When he is in his natural habitat at one of his properties where he feels comfortable, he often gets a little restless. Its also the case he is less likely to be surrounded by the formal cordon of white house aides. Rather he tends to be surround by friends and family, a lot of his informal advisers and they tend to egg him on. I think thats why we get a lot of his most memorable twitter rants on the weekends when there isnt a john kelly at his elbow, not that his formal aides do such an incredible job of restraining him. But if anything, he tends to be less restrained and more relaxed, and that is when he tends to cast off some of the shackles and tell us what he really thinks. Part of it, pick up on what molly said, he gets bored. Okay, he plays golf. But you cant play golf 12 hours a day. So he is basically knocking around on these giant resorts, and he gets bored. And he basically wants to fire off some of this zing theyre will make all of us talk about him, because i think this is ultimately what his presidency about, its about getting attention and being the center of the universe. And he know he can do that if he says something sufficiently crazy on twitter. He gets bored. This seat has been in gop hands since reagan was in the white house. It is really tight this year. What do you think this race, max, tells us about whats coming up in november . Well, i think what youre seeing is that, you know, across the board that republicans are feeling pressure. I mean, i was pretty startled today just to see that in texas ted cruz, his race has been moved solid republican to leans republican because ted cruz in texas is having a tough race against orourke. Thats kind of indicative of the kind of year republicans have having. Even trump is managing to hold on the his 41 , there is an awful lot of trump antisentiment out, there even in red states. I think theyre feeling the pressure. And certainly the odds are going up in favor of a democratic takeover of the house. Molly, when it comes to candidates, trump has endorsed, his winds are 19. His losses are 4. Those are pretty good stats. Is this president an asset you think to republicans, at least in the primaries . Well, primaries are very different from general elections. And actually for years, thats been the republicans problem. Long before trump came along. In a lot of way, trump is a symptom rather than a cause of the divisions within the Republican Party. So for years now weve seen a, you know, a very passionate activist right wing Republican Base thats able to tilt low turnout primaries towards candidates with some would say extreme views. And then those candidates are not electable in a general election. And this was happening long before trump came along. Now trump has been a kingmaker in the primaries. He has shaped the Republican Party in his image. He has gotten a lot of previously sort of Run Of The Mill republican candidates to turn into just supporters of trump through and through. And hes also elevated some candidates that might previously not have been considered mainstream by either anointing them or, you know, having them sort of create themselves in his image. But i think a primary is very different beast in a general election. And as were seeing with some of these Special Elections where everybody votes, not just republican primary voters, thats where were starting to see this Backlash Brew and this election in suburban ohio is very reminiscent of the Special Election in pennsylvania earlier this year where you had a Deep Red District Go for a democratic candidate almost entirely, there are other factors, but almost entirely because of the backlash to trump. Molly, max, thank you very much. I appreciate your time. Enjoy your weekend. When we come back, an elected official who has been a republican sinis leaving the Republican Party later. Why the policies have force herd to become a democrat, and she says shes not only the one. Were going to talk to her next. Why did i want a crest 3d white smile . Lean on me, when youre not strong and ill be your friend ill help you carry on lean on me. Well, esurance makes it simple and affordable. In fact, drivers who switched from geico to esurance saved an average of 412. Thats auto and Home Insurance for the modern world. Esurance. An allstate company. Click or call. Paying too much for insurance that isnt the right fit . Well, esurance makes finding the right coverage easy. In fact, drivers who switched from geico to esurance saved an average of 412. Thats auto and Home Insurance for the modern world. Esurance. An allstate company. Click or call. Child, voiceover there was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children, she didnt know what to do. Im home. Child, voiceover she gave them some broth. Without any bread. [siren in distance] and kissed them all soundly. Lights out. Good night. Child, voiceover and put them to bed. Hunger is a story we can end. End it at feedingamerica. Org. My next guest is a gop official and lifelong republican whose made a very difficult decision. She has left her party to become a democrat, and she says its all because of President Trump. Lori segman is County Commissioner multnomah county, oregon. Lori, good to have you on. Thank you so much. Thank you for having me. I want to read a portion of the letter that when you announced you were leaving the Republican Party. You said theres too much at stake in our country right now and we have to speak out. As a woman, a business owner, a mother, an immigrant, and a minority i cannot condone the misogyny, the racism and the unethical and immoral behavior of the Current Administration. I fear for the safety of our country, for human rights, for womens rights, the environment and the uncertainty of our future. Those are very powerful words. Tell us more about your decision. Why did you say that . Well, i believe that our country is headed in the wrong direction. And i cannot stand silently without speaking up. I believe that people are looking for leadership to guide our country in the right direction, and the Current Administration does not represent the values and the morals and the ethics that the American People have and this great nation, this is what our nation was founded on. And there is a lack of moral leadership. So, listen, donald trump has been president for less than 18 months. Why now . What was the Tipping Point for you . Well, as an adoptee, it really came down to the family separation practices. And i just read about how immigrants are giving away their parental rights without even have knowledge of what theyre doing. As well as children being drugged. So this is just its unacceptable and its inhumane to separate families. The other thing thats going on in our entire country, as i mentioned, trump has emboldened people to act out and to insight violence and hatred. Tomorrow here in portland, oregon, we are having a White Nationalist rally in the city of portland. And that is just unacceptable to empower people to spread hate and fear in our community. So what does this say, you know, i mentioned to you a little bit on the break that i was having dinner with republican friend who has the same concerns that you have. Yes. And he said i dont feel like my party is a party anymore. That it has become a cult, and that we dont stand up for the right things and what our core values. Yes. Traditionally used to be. And hes concerned about whether he should even identify as a republican anymore. Absolutely. This is not the Republican Partythat i joined 40 years ago. We had some great Republican Leadership in oregon like Mark Hatfield and tom mccall who were outstanding statesmen. That was the kind of Republican Party that i belonged to. So what does this say about the party . I have not changed. And listen, as you answer that, the party is made up of people. So what does this say about the party and the people . Well, i think that people need to speak out. And i think that the president has bullied people and incited fear in them. And people are afraid to step Out Of The Shadows and speak their truth. And i am just one County Commissioner, but i know that there are people in much higher positions than myself thi implo to speak out about the inequities that are occurring in our country. But i know if one person stands, many others will join us. Thats what i really want other people to do. We have to band together and say this is unacceptable in our country, and we have to do something to stop the inequities that are occurring. Lori, thank you for your time. I appreciate it. Thank you. When we come back, my interview with lebron james. What he says about living while black in america, even if youre rich and famous, and how he feels about the president. I love you, Basement Bathroom of solitude, but sometimes you stink. Febreze air effects doesnt just mask, it cleans away odors. Because the things you love can stink. I do. Check out the new united explorer card. Saving on this saving on this saving in here. Rewarded learn more at theexplorercard. Com earlier this week, i the chance to sit down with The One And Only lebron james, one of this generations greatest star athletes. Threetime nba champion, fourtime league mvp. But lebron james started out as a kid from akron, a kid who missed 83 days of school in the fourth grade, but a kid with big dreams. Now he is a man on a mission, helping kids just like him, opening the i Promise School in his hometown. Lebron the superstar who had so many great moments on the court says opening this school may be the greatest moment of his life. But there is a lot thats got lebron james fired up off the court. This is the interview you definitely dont want to miss. Lebron james oneonone. Thank you for doing this. Oh, thanks for having me. Everyone who knows im doing this says much respect, much respect for i promise. But you have so much going on. Why do you want to do this . I mean, the kids talk to me. Either verbally or i can hear their mental. I am one of them. Not too far removed. So it wasnt even a question. It happened organically. You just did it. You figured this was the best thing for you to do. You nervous about this . I remember when oprah was opening a school, she said its such a big responsibility. I dont think ive ever been asnas nervous about thing or felt this level of responsibility about anything. Its not that im nervous. Im truly excite and truly humble and blessed that the Akron Public School system, my hometown did this Joint Vent Scher with us that made this possible. And my foundation. Michelle campbell, first of all, the number one point person in my foundation. They brought this whole thing together and brought to it me. And i was absolutely. You cant get nowhere in life without help. Without help. You were i think it was a third grader who interviewed you and asked you about challenges and the single mom. And i relate to that. Because i grew up with a single mom who is my hero. Your mom is your hero. Is this one of the reasons this is important to you . Absolutely. Its one of the huge reasons its important because of the everyday struggle me and my mom had to go through at that age, being this the third and fourth grade. And for us to be in a position where i can bring this to fruition and see stories of kids that are going through the same thing i went through that made it even more yes we did this. This is why we should have did it. How do you conquer the fears because jaden is his name. Talked about Hearing Gunshots and that sort of thing, walking through, being tempted by drugs and all those things. How do you think they how do you get them to understand that thats not the path they have to take . I think fwhg a support system, and thats what this is all about. For me, when i did go to school or when i was playing Little League sports, being around kids and people to have fun and kind of speak the same language as you, it allows you to kind of escape away interest the drugs and violence and the gunshots and the things that go on an everyday basis. And thats what we leer for right now. Thats why im opening this school, to be able to get these kids mind away from their body. We made the hours instead of 8 to 3 to 5. Thats a long time. We want them here. So we can let them know not only do we want you here, but we really do care. We really do care about what happens with you. Hes an athlete, right . Athletics are big. But this is a stem school. Its science, mathematics, and reading. All of that. Math, reading, social studies. All the way down to gym class, music, arts everything. Its holistic. And thats important. Are athletics important to these kids . Or do you think its their minds right now . I think both. I think athletics are important, but also their mind. I think both. I think it just plays. When youre part of sports and youre a part of your it just brings so much camaraderie and so much fun. We are in a position right now in america more importantly where this whole this race thing is taking over, you know. And because our president is kind of trying to divide us. But kind of . Yeah. He is. He is. Not only kind of. He is dividing us. And what i noticed over the last few months that hes kind of used sport to kind of divide us. And thats something that i cant relate to because i know that sport was the first time i ever was around someone white, you know. And i got an opportunity to see them and learn about them and they got the opportunity to learn about me. And we became very good friends. And oh, wow, this is all because of sports. And sports has never been something that divide people. Its always something that brings someone together. Do you remember any of your first experiences being around someone who was different than you . Because that was through sports. Do you remember what it was and what was your reaction . It was different. I mean, first of all, from what they ate dinner at a different hour than i ever ate dinner before. Like earlier . Yeah, like supper at 6 30 in the afternoon. I thought it was afternoon. They called it evening time. It was the first time i ever seen a pantry, you youve understand. Like for me, everything when i grew up, everything was on top of the refrigerator. So my wifes house they had a pantry. I learn than as well. But they just they kind of live life without no care, no worry. And i wanted to get to a point, you know, maybe i can live life without no care, no worry either, being around a lot of my white friends growing up. It was a pretty cool thing, though. And even bedtime. Bedtime was 7 30, 8 00. No, no there was none of that. Im glad you mentioned that, because ive been watching you for a long time. This is not the first time i interviewed you. I remember interviewing you for your website, some other things you did. But theres been something has changed in you over the last year or two. It is Dont Insulate<\/a> you from racism. Much more on that interview in just a moment. But lets start with the president s week, shall we . I want to bring in cnn Global Affairs<\/a> analyst max boot and molly ball. Good evening. Good evening. Max, President Trump<\/a> was on the attack this week, lashing out at everyone, saying that sessions should shut down the mueller investigation, contradicting his National Security<\/a> team on russia, trying to distance himself from Paul Manafort<\/a>. What does this tell you about his frame of mind . Well, first, don, let me just say i have to commiserate with you on going from speaking to king james to talk about to a mere serf like me. I know this has to be a comedown. But were looking forward to the interview. In terms of trumps state of mind, its kind of interesting to see because i was looking at the twitter feed just as we came on here. And thats kind of the fever chart of the trump presidency. Thats kind of an ongoing brain scan to show where trump was at. Its pretty obvious that a couple of days ago he was having a meltdown because of the start of the Paul Manafort<\/a> trial. Thats when he was saying jeff session should end this witchhunt right now, and thats when he was comparing the treatment of Paul Manafort<\/a> to the treatment of alfonse capone, as he put it, showing he was extremely stressed and very worried about this. He kind of alternates some days he feels like a victim. Other days he feels like hes king of telephone world. And clearly today he is more on\rthe king of the world side. Look agent his tweets theyre basically nonstop boasting about all his tremendous achievements. The one constant is whether he is feeling a victim or feeling king of the world, he is always factually challenged. Today just a couple of hours ago he was bragging about how he has created 5100,0 hundre500,000 ma jobs but he feels compelled to up everything 25 anyway just to boast. I would say going into his weekend in bedminster, judge big the twitter feed he is feeling in a pretty good mood. Molly, the last time he was in bedminster with a lot of problems swirling around the last time he was there, he launched a twitter storm. What should we expect this time . That often happens whether its bedminster or whether its maralago. When he is in his natural habitat at one of his properties where he feels comfortable, he often gets a little restless. Its also the case he is less likely to be surrounded by the formal cordon of white house\raides. Rather he tends to be surround by friends and family, a lot of his informal advisers and they tend to egg him on. I think thats why we get a lot of his most memorable twitter rants on the weekends when there isnt a john kelly at his elbow, not that his formal aides do such an incredible job of restraining him. But if anything, he tends to be less restrained and more relaxed, and that is when he tends to cast off some of the shackles and tell us what he really thinks. Part of it, pick up on what molly said, he gets bored. Okay, he plays golf. But you cant play golf 12 hours a day. So he is basically knocking around on these giant resorts, and he gets bored. And he basically wants to fire off some of this zing theyre will make all of us talk about him, because i think this is ultimately what his presidency about, its about getting attention and being the center of the universe. And he know he can do that if he says something sufficiently crazy on twitter. He gets bored. This seat has been in gop hands since reagan was in the white house. It is really tight this year. What do you think this race, max, tells us about whats coming up in november . Well, i think what youre seeing is that, you know, across the board that republicans are feeling pressure. I mean, i was pretty startled today just to see that in texas ted cruz, his race has been moved solid republican to leans republican because ted cruz in texas is having a tough race against orourke. Thats kind of indicative of the kind of year republicans have having. Even trump is managing to hold on the his 41 , there is an awful lot of trump antisentiment out, there even in red states. I think theyre feeling the pressure. And certainly the odds are going up in favor of a democratic takeover of the house. Molly, when it comes to candidates, trump has endorsed, his winds are 19. His losses are 4. Those are pretty good stats. Is this president an asset you think to republicans, at least in the primaries . Well, primaries are very different from general elections. And actually for years, thats been the republicans problem. Long before trump came along. In a lot of way, trump is a symptom rather than a cause of the divisions within the Republican Party<\/a>. So for years now weve seen a, you know, a very passionate activist right wing Republican Base<\/a> thats able to tilt low turnout primaries towards candidates with some would say extreme views. And then those candidates are not electable in a general election. And this was happening long before trump came along. Now trump has been a kingmaker in the primaries. He has shaped the Republican Party<\/a> in his image. He has gotten a lot of previously sort of Run Of The Mill<\/a> republican candidates to turn into just supporters of trump through and through. And hes also elevated some candidates that might previously not have been considered mainstream by either anointing them or, you know, having them\rsort of create themselves in his image. But i think a primary is very different beast in a general election. And as were seeing with some of these Special Election<\/a>s where everybody votes, not just republican primary voters, thats where were starting to see this Backlash Brew<\/a> and this election in suburban ohio is very reminiscent of the Special Election<\/a> in pennsylvania earlier this year where you had a Deep Red District Go<\/a> for a democratic candidate almost entirely, there are other factors, but almost entirely because of the backlash to trump. Molly, max, thank you very much. I appreciate your time. Enjoy your weekend. When we come back, an elected official who has been a republican sinis leaving the Republican Party<\/a> later. Why the policies have force herd to become a democrat, and she says shes not only the one. Were going to talk to her next. Why did i want a crest 3d white smile . Lean on me, when youre not strong and ill be your friend ill help you carry on lean on me. Well, esurance makes it simple and affordable. In fact, drivers who switched from geico to esurance saved an average of 412. Thats auto and Home Insurance<\/a> for the modern world. Esurance. An allstate company. Click or call. Paying too much for insurance that isnt the right fit . Well, esurance makes finding the right coverage easy. In fact, drivers who switched from geico to esurance saved an average of 412. Thats auto and Home Insurance<\/a> for the modern world. Esurance. An allstate company. Click or call. Child, voiceover there was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children, she didnt know what to do. Im home. Child, voiceover she gave them some broth. Without any bread. [siren in distance] and kissed them all soundly. Lights out. Good night. Child, voiceover and put them to bed. Hunger is a story we can end. End it at feedingamerica. Org. My next guest is a gop official and lifelong republican whose made a very difficult decision. She has left her party to become\ra democrat, and she says its all because of President Trump<\/a>. Lori segman is County Commissioner<\/a> multnomah county, oregon. Lori, good to have you on. Thank you so much. Thank you for having me. I want to read a portion of the letter that when you announced you were leaving the Republican Party<\/a>. You said theres too much at stake in our country right now and we have to speak out. As a woman, a business owner, a mother, an immigrant, and a minority i cannot condone the misogyny, the racism and the unethical and immoral behavior of the Current Administration<\/a>. I fear for the safety of our country, for human rights, for womens rights, the environment and the uncertainty of our future. Those are very powerful words. Tell us more about your decision. Why did you say that . Well, i believe that our country is headed in the wrong direction. And i cannot stand silently without speaking up. I believe that people are\rlooking for leadership to guide our country in the right direction, and the Current Administration<\/a> does not represent the values and the morals and the ethics that the American People<\/a> have and this great nation, this is what our nation was founded on. And there is a lack of moral leadership. So, listen, donald trump has been president for less than 18 months. Why now . What was the Tipping Point<\/a> for you . Well, as an adoptee, it really came down to the family separation practices. And i just read about how immigrants are giving away their parental rights without even have knowledge of what theyre doing. As well as children being drugged. So this is just its unacceptable and its inhumane to separate families. The other thing thats going on in our entire country, as i\rmentioned, trump has emboldened people to act out and to insight violence and hatred. Tomorrow here in portland, oregon, we are having a White Nationalist<\/a> rally in the city of portland. And that is just unacceptable to empower people to spread hate and fear in our community. So what does this say, you know, i mentioned to you a little bit on the break that i was having dinner with republican friend who has the same concerns that you have. Yes. And he said i dont feel like my party is a party anymore. That it has become a cult, and that we dont stand up for the right things and what our core values. Yes. Traditionally used to be. And hes concerned about whether he should even identify as a republican anymore. Absolutely. This is not the Republican Party<\/a>\rthat i joined 40 years ago. We had some great Republican Leadership<\/a> in oregon like Mark Hatfield<\/a> and tom mccall who were outstanding statesmen. That was the kind of Republican Party<\/a> that i belonged to. So what does this say about the party . I have not changed. And listen, as you answer that, the party is made up of people. So what does this say about the party and the people . Well, i think that people need to speak out. And i think that the president has bullied people and incited fear in them. And people are afraid to step Out Of The Shadows<\/a> and speak their truth. And i am just one County Commissioner<\/a>, but i know that there are people in much higher positions than myself thi implo to speak out about the inequities that are occurring in\rour country. But i know if one person stands, many others will join us. Thats what i really want other people to do. We have to band together and say this is unacceptable in our country, and we have to do something to stop the inequities that are occurring. Lori, thank you for your time. I appreciate it. Thank you. When we come back, my interview with lebron james. What he says about living while black in america, even if youre rich and famous, and how he feels about the president. I love you, Basement Bathroom<\/a> of solitude, but sometimes you stink. Febreze air effects doesnt just mask, it cleans away odors. Because the things you love can stink. I do. Check out the new united explorer card. Saving on this saving on this saving in here. Rewarded learn more at theexplorercard. Com\rearlier this week, i the chance to sit down with The One And Only<\/a> lebron james, one of this generations greatest star athletes. Threetime nba champion, fourtime league mvp. But lebron james started out as a kid from akron, a kid who missed 83 days of school in the fourth grade, but a kid with big dreams. Now he is a man on a mission, helping kids just like him, opening the i Promise School<\/a> in his hometown. Lebron the superstar who had so many great moments on the court says opening this school may be the greatest moment of his life. But there is a lot thats got lebron james fired up off the court. This is the interview you definitely dont want to miss. Lebron james oneonone. Thank you for doing this. Oh, thanks for having me. Everyone who knows im doing this says much respect, much respect for i promise. But you have so much going on. Why do you want to do this . I mean, the kids talk to me. Either verbally or i can hear\rtheir mental. I am one of them. Not too far removed. So it wasnt even a question. It happened organically. You just did it. You figured this was the best thing for you to do. You nervous about this . I remember when oprah was opening a school, she said its such a big responsibility. I dont think ive ever been asnas nervous about thing or felt this level of responsibility about anything. Its not that im nervous. Im truly excite and truly humble and blessed that the Akron Public School<\/a> system, my hometown did this Joint Vent Scher<\/a> with us that made this possible. And my foundation. Michelle campbell, first of all, the number one point person in my foundation. They brought this whole thing together and brought to it me. And i was absolutely. You cant get nowhere in life without help. Without help. You were i think it was a third grader who interviewed you and asked you about challenges and the single mom. And i relate to that. Because i grew up with a single mom who is my hero. Your mom is your hero. Is this one of the reasons this is important to you . Absolutely. Its one of the huge reasons its important because of the everyday struggle me and my mom had to go through at that age, being this the third and fourth grade. And for us to be in a position where i can bring this to fruition and see stories of kids that are going through the same thing i went through that made it even more yes we did this. This is why we should have did it. How do you conquer the fears because jaden is his name. Talked about Hearing Gunshots<\/a> and that sort of thing, walking through, being tempted by drugs and all those things. How do you think they how do you get them to understand that thats not the path they have to take . I think fwhg a support system, and thats what this is all about. For me, when i did go to school or when i was playing Little League<\/a> sports, being around kids and people to have fun and kind of speak the same language as\ryou, it allows you to kind of escape away interest the drugs and violence and the gunshots and the things that go on an everyday basis. And thats what we leer for right now. Thats why im opening this school, to be able to get these kids mind away from their body. We made the hours instead of 8 to 3 to 5. Thats a long time. We want them here. So we can let them know not only do we want you here, but we really do care. We really do care about what happens with you. Hes an athlete, right . Athletics are big. But this is a stem school. Its science, mathematics, and reading. All of that. Math, reading, social studies. All the way down to gym class, music, arts everything. Its holistic. And thats important. Are athletics important to these kids . Or do you think its their minds right now . I think both. I think athletics are important, but also their mind. I think both. I think it just plays. When youre part of sports and youre a part of your it just brings so much camaraderie and so much fun. We are in a position right now in america more importantly where this whole this race thing is taking over, you know. And because our president is kind of trying to divide us. But kind of . Yeah. He is. He is. Not only kind of. He is dividing us. And what i noticed over the last few months that hes kind of used sport to kind of divide us. And thats something that i cant relate to because i know that sport was the first time i ever was around someone white, you know. And i got an opportunity to see them and learn about them and they got the opportunity to learn about me. And we became very good friends. And oh, wow, this is all because of sports. And sports has never been something that divide people. Its always something that brings someone together. Do you remember any of your first experiences being around someone who was different than\ryou . Because that was through sports. Do you remember what it was and what was your reaction . It was different. I mean, first of all, from what they ate dinner at a different hour than i ever ate dinner before. Like earlier . Yeah, like supper at 6 30 in the afternoon. I thought it was afternoon. They called it evening time. It was the first time i ever seen a pantry, you youve understand. Like for me, everything when i grew up, everything was on top of the refrigerator. So my wifes house they had a pantry. I learn than as well. But they just they kind of live life without no care, no worry. And i wanted to get to a point, you know, maybe i can live life without no care, no worry either, being around a lot of my white friends growing up. It was a pretty cool thing, though. And even bedtime. Bedtime was 7 30, 8 00. No, no there was none of that. Im glad you mentioned that, because ive been watching you for a long time. This is not the first time i\rinterviewed you. I remember interviewing you for your website, some other things you did. But theres been something has changed in you over the last year or two. It is Whats Going On<\/a> in the country racially . It is politically . I think its a little bit of everything. I think it starts with the Trayvon Martin<\/a> situation. And the reason it starts with that i believe is because having kids of my own, having boys of my own, it hit home for me to see and to learn the story and to think that if my boy left home and he never returned. Right. That kind of hit a switch. That kind of hit a switch for me. And from that point on, i knew that my voice and my platform had to be used for more than just sports. Good for you. Good for you, man. You said that your boy never returned home. But then there are people, kids\rare returning home. And you think about the kids are being taken away. The same thing your heart breaks. Absolutely. Someone comes over, they want a better life and all of the sudden their kids are being taken away from them. Can you imagine that . No, i cant imagine that weve always grown up saying this is the listened of the free and opportunity here in america. And to be a parent, to be a father, to be a husband, to think that you can have a beautiful family one day, and the next day they could be taken away is something that you never, ever could have imagined. You were talking about athletics, right, and how you think that this president is dividing. I think about the kids now. There are kids who are selling water. I interviewed a little kid who wanted some action figures, and he was out doing stuff with his mom. And he got the cops called on him. How do you tell these kids even with that, when youre just living while black, how do you get them to keep going . I think you know the incidents im talking about. Absolutely, absolutely. And i think the best way to tell\rthem to keep going is that no matter no matter how successful you could become, no matter who you are, when youre an African American<\/a> kid, man or female, youre always going to be going against obstacles. And there are one or two things you can do. You can allow it to affect you and for you to degrade, or you can allow it to empower you even more and to rise above it. And i think we look at some of the greatest leaders of our time. We look at muhammed ali. You look at dr. Martin luther king. All the adversity they went through, they never let it down them. They always used it to say okay, this is even more motivation. This is even more away for me to be even more powerful. And the other reason why we are here today. Your challenges become goals, and your haters become your motivators. Absolutely. Right . Absolutely. You were talking about the using athletics to divide people. Yeah, yeah. Youve heard what the man in\rcharge, you heard what the president said about marshawn, about steph, about, you know, it seems like men of color who have means and a platform. Whats up with that . Whats up with that is its all wrong. Its not up, its down. And for him to like i say use sports to kind of divide us is something i cant i cant sit back and not say nothing. Why you tweeted about a couple of things. Yeah. You tweeted about when steph curry, when he called you called him a bum because but steph had already said he was not going to the white house. He already said he was going. And tried to use that afterwards to say youre not invited. You cant uninvite me to something i already said im not going to go to. We all know steph curry, model citizen, great kid, come from a great background, great family. Great father. Great father. And so many kids, white, black,\rhispanic, all different races love what hes doing and rightfully so. There is no reason for anyone to ever attack him. And thats i felt that. Whenever there is Something Like<\/a> hes in trouble, he cant wiggle his way out of something, hell bring up the National Anthem<\/a> thing and kneeling or standing. Do you think he uses black athletes as a scapegoat . At times. At times. And more often than not. I believe he uses anything thats popular to try to negate people from thinking about the positive things that they can actually be doing. And to try to get our minds to not be as sharp as possible right then. Either from kneeling from Football Players<\/a>, Football Players<\/a> kneels. You look at kaepernick, who was protests something he believed in, and he did it in a most calm fashion way possible. Very respectful. He did all his due diligence. He was knowledgeable about it. And everyone knew why he did it. You look at all the nfl players\rthat are still kneeling and things of that nature. You look at steph. You look at marshawn lynch. You look at all these incidents why he is trying to divide our sport, but at the end of the day, sport is the reason we all come together. I just wonder where we go from here. Because to a lot of people, charlottesville was, you tweeted, i think is this what our country is in make America Great<\/a> again . Paraphrasing your tweet. I think that was for sort of everybody, thats enough. I cant believe. This. Absolutely, absolutely. We all felt that. I dont think you you it dont matter what color you are to feel that, to feel that tension, to feel like our great country that we all wake up every day in the land of the free as we believe with great opportunity to be even more than what people even expect you to become for that to happen, you just felt like that was kind of the Tipping Point<\/a>. Maybe you were surprised, maybe you werent. The whole n word incident at\ryour house when you had the n word painted . I dont know if i was surprised. I dont know if i was hurt. I dont know if i was disappointed. There were so many different emotions. More importantly, it was the conversation that i had to have with my boys that it was that hurt me. But at the same time it also enlightened me and knew that no matter as i stated, you know, when i did the interview after that, that no matter how big you can become, no matter how successful you are, no matter what you do in the community, no matter what you do in your profession, being an African American<\/a> in america is always tough, and they always going to let you know that you interesar n word, no matter who you are. And that was a reset. Even when you have lebron respect and lebron money. Do you think its harder now . Or its always been there. Were just seeing it because of\rcell phones. I think its always been there. But i think the president in charge now has given people they dont care now. They throw it in your face now. Do you would you ever run for office . Run for office . Would you ever be a politician and run for office . I dont think so. I dont think so. I sit here and say i dont think so. I dont know. Im being serious. If someone tried to recruit a lebron to run for president , they said listen, theyve got no one, if you dont run, trumps going to win, would you run . Well, in that case, i may. Yeah. If they have no one. I believe there is some people out there. I hope. Lets see first. Lets see first. But you would run . Lets see first. The last question is what do you hope happens from this school . Because i got to tell you, i walked through. I am impressed. Everybody is impressed. This is a great thing youre doing. What do you want to happen . Where do you want this to go from here . What i want to happen, every\rkid who walk through those doors, every kid from the 240 kids were starting with right now, third and fourth grade to the 2022 where were going to have first through eighth grade. We want every kid in the school to be inspired to come away with something, something where they can give back. And it doesnt matter. It could be anything, but just for kids in general, all they want to know is that someone care. And when they walk through that door, i hope they know that someone care. Youre going to l. A. , but is your heart here . My heart is here. This is akron, ohio. Thats why im doing this school right here today. Are you excited about l. A. . Absolutely yeah. One more question. What would you say to the president if he were sitting right here . I would never sit across from him. You dont want the talk to him . No ill sit across from barack, though. It was great to sit down with lebron. We have a lot more to come as he\rgives me an exclusive tour of his school, and find out why he is giving every one of his students a new bike. S softer th. Charmin ultra soft is softer than ever so its harder to resist. Okay, this is getting a little weird enjoy The Go With Charmin<\/a> whos already won three cars, two motorcycles, a boat, and an r. V. I would not want to pay that insurance bill. [ ding ] oh, i have progressive, so i just bundled everything with my Home Insurance<\/a>. Saved me a ton of money. Love you, gary you dont have to buzz in. Its not a question, gary. On march 1, 1810 [ ding ] frederic chopin. Collapsing in 226 [ ding ] the colossus of rhodes. [ sighs ] Louise Dustmann<\/a> [ ding ] brahms lullaby, or wiegenlied. When will it end . [ ding ] not today, ron. Dinner date. Meeting his parents dinner date. Why did i want a crest 3d white smile . So i used crest. Crest 3d white removes. 95 of Surface Stains<\/a> in just 3 days. For a whiter smile. That will win them over. Crest. Healthy, beautiful smiles for life. Just like that. Like everything. The answer is simple. Ill do what ive always done. Dream more, dream faster, and above all. Now, ill dream gig. Now more businesses, in more places, can afford to dream gig. Comcast, building americas largest gigspeed network. In our interview, you heard lebron james open up about everything from politics to living while black in america. And there is more. Lebron also gave me an exclusive tour of his brandnew i Promise School<\/a>. Its a Joint Venture<\/a> between the lebron james family and the Akron Public School<\/a> system. Not only is tuition free, so are uniforms and transportation for every student who lives more than two miles away. Every student gets breakfast, lunch, and snacks. College tuition is guaranteed for everyone who graduates. There is a food pantry for\rfamilies. Parents can get their geds and job placement services. And because of how important a bicycle was for young lebron in escaping dangerous parts of his neighborhood, every student will receive a free bike at home. Its an ambitious project with an even more ambitious future. Take a look. This is the coolest thing. Tell me about these shoes. You guys are going to auction these off . Its a 114 game worn shoes that ive worn in an nba game. And each shoe is being auctioned off, and all proceeds are going to the foundation. I didnt know that we were going to do this wall like this. This is a surprise for me. But i knew the shoes were going to be auctioned off. And i love this right here. This is like they come to the front door, and you can kind of walk in my shoes, in my footsteps. And youve worn all these . Ive worn all these shoes, yep, ive worn all these shoes in a game. And they get to keep one shoe\rand. Their name goes above each shoe. What when you see this, what do you think . Its still so surreal. I dont know. Its hard to be like this is my school. I never i never envisioned having a school. I envisioned, you know, being in the community, giving back to my community in some way. But i never thought it would turn into a school. But this is above and beyond. You had this growing up, what do you think . Do you think things would be different . I think early on, i would have been able to start my path a little earlier on in my life and kind of started ate little bit later. But i dont know if i would have this school if i didnt have the trials and tribulations that i had when i was a kid and the upbringing that i had. Its just letting me know when i was younger, if i ever had the means or i ever became successful, anything, i want to be able to give back. Do you ever, like, look\raround and get down and depressed . I know you said youre always going to be positive because of dr. King and those guys when you see whats happening in the country. Oh, man, were going backwards. Absolutely. Thats human nature. There is no way you can look at certain things and feel like why are we not pushing forward. But for me as one of the leaders of america, one of the leaders of my community, its my responsibility to kind of stay as positive as i can and to continue to let people know that we can go further up and not down. Even though sometimes we do feel like were going backwards, and even though we feel like were going back to places that sometimes of slavery or things, jim crow and things of that nature. You just want to kind of continue to move forward. I think its very important for all of us. You think we can get back from this craziness that is going on . I think so. I believe so. But its not going to be today. Its not going to be storm. Its n next month. But if we can look at the\rpositive things, we can figure it out. I see president james might be. Look who is in here. Did you see those faces . Do you guys know who this is . Yes lebron james. Come say hi. Come say hi. Oh, my gosh. Whats up . Give me five, give me five, man. Whats up, yall. How yall doing . Are those my shoes . How are you doing . Nice to meet you. Whats up. Whats up, everybody. How are you doing . Oh, my, those are nice. Im going to have to put those on the wall. Did you see the tennis shoes on the wall . We might have to make those shoes and put them on the wall. What size shoe you . 10. Im a 9. Im smaller than you. Im an 8. Youre a 3. Size 6. 5. Do you love this guy . Yes you think he is awesome . Do you watch him play . Yes yeah . There you go. There is your first day, right . Yeah risks you guys excited . Youre at lebron james school. I did. You did . I saw it on the radio. You saw tonight radio . Or you heard it on the radio . I heard it. Did you know you were going to meet him, though . Did you think you were going to meet him . Now you did. What does this do when you when you see this . This is what its all about. Whatever these guys want, man. Whatever these guys want. One person knows me, lebron. She said are you the news guy . I dont know. I like them all. These ones are cool because these Interest Foundation<\/a> shoes. Tease are the i promise shoes right there. You made them . Yeah, i made those. You make this one . All of those. Don, thanks. Thank you, brother. Hey, guys, thank you, guys. Thank you, guys. You guys are awesome look at you. Youre at a loss for words. Well be right back. So what do you guys want . Pistachio. Chocolate chip. Rocky road. I see Whats Going On<\/a> here. Everybodys got different taste. Well, now verizon lets you mix and match your family unlimited plans so everybody gets the plan they want, without paying for things they dont. Jetsetting moms can videochat from europe. Movieobsessed teens can stream obscure cinema. Its like everyone gets their own flavor of unlimited. chuckles its a metaphor. Simile, not a metaphor. Hm. Well played. vo one family. Different unlimited plans. Starting at 40 per line. Switch now and get 300 off our best phones all on the network you deserve. Call on me brother when you need a hand lean on me, when youre not strong and ill be your friend ill help you carry on lean on me mmm. Lean on me. Mmm. Lean on me. When you bundle your auto and hwith esurance, you could save with their single deductible. So if you confused the brake with the gas, or if your lamp post jumped out of nowhere, or if you forgot your bike was on the roof rack, you only pay one deductible instead of two for a claim involving both your auto and home. And when you save that much, its almost like it. Never even happened. Thats auto and Home Insurance<\/a> for the modern world. Esurance. An allstate company. Click or call. My goal has always been to make a full recovery. And i think a lot of people thought that was farfetched. It was a lot of hard work. I remember when i made this first couple of steps. Thats when i knew that making a full recovery was possible. Hes living the miracle of what we all want, what we all aspire for, to stand up and to do it on our own. Hes doing it. I havent witnessed that too often in my lifetime. Wow, that is amazing. To see nates story and learn about amandas amazing program, go to cnnheroes. Com, and you can donate to any of this years cnn heroes at crowd rise. Com cnn heroes. Crowd rise. Com cnn heroes. Thats it for us. Thanks for watching. Our coverage continues. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens brown paper packages tied up with strings these are a few of My Favorite Things<\/a> \rdinner date. Meeting his parents dinner date. Why did i want a crest 3d white smile . So i used crest. Crest 3d white removes. 95 of Surface Stains<\/a> in just 3 days. For a whiter smile. That will win them over. Crest. Healthy, beautiful smiles for life","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"https:\/\/vimarsana.com\/images\/vimarsana-bigimage.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240618T12:35:10+00:00"}