Two former U.S. presidents, a former first lady, and a host of historians, authors, academics, and journalists gathered on Saturday at the Academy Museum for A+E Networks’ History Talks event. The discussion aimed to reflect on pivotal moments in American history and provide context for the polarization of today.
“A Decade of Indignation” David Brooks, a political and cultural columnist for The New York Times, opened the event by reflecting on the past decade. He noted, “The 2010s were a decade of indignation,” and expressed optimism that the period is giving way to something more positive, as people now seek joy and connection.
Engaging Conversations with Leaders The event featured a Q&A session with former President Barack Obama, moderated by Malcolm Gladwell, and an insightful conversation with former President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush, conducted by their daughter, Jenna Bush Hager. In the half-day gathering, key figures from various industries, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and CBS chief George Cheeks, attended, highlighting the significance of the event.
Obama’s Reflections on Leadership During his 45-minute Q&A, Gladwell asked Obama how his view of past presidents had evolved. Obama cited leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, noting their significant impact during challenging times. “Figures like King, Gandhi, and Lincoln…change how we fundamentally think about ourselves and our relationships,” Obama said, emphasizing that their legacies transcend politics. Reflecting on his presidency, Obama mentioned his 2015 speech on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday as one of his proudest moments.
Other Highlights
- Kate Winslet discussed her upcoming film Lee, which tells the story of WWII correspondent Elizabeth “Lee” Miller. She praised Miller’s courage in documenting the innocent victims of conflict.
- Kevin Costner spoke with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin about his love for stories of the American West. He shared how childhood experiences, including seeing How the West Was Won at the age of seven, shaped his fascination with the complex history of the period.
- Nicole Avant and Kerry Washington reflected on the significance of their upcoming Netflix film, The Six Triple Eight, which highlights the contribution of an all-female battalion of Black and brown women during WWII.
- Eva Longoria closed the event with a Q&A alongside musician John Legend, who performed Bob Marley’s Redemption Song. Longoria emphasized the importance of storytelling in driving political and social change, stating, “You have to change culture before you can change policy.”
Barack Obama’s Republican Half-Brother Declares Support for Donald Trump
In a surprising political twist, Barack Obama’s half-brother, Malik Obama, has openly declared that he will vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Malik, who was the best man at Barack and Michelle Obama’s wedding in 1992, expressed his support for Trump in a post on X, stating, “I’m a registered Republican and I’m voting for President Donald Trump.”
This isn’t the first time Malik Obama has backed Trump. He also supported him in the 2016 and 2020 elections, opposing Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. In a recent interview with The New York Post, Malik said he appreciated Trump’s authenticity, describing him as someone who “speaks from the heart.”
The relationship between the Obama brothers has reportedly soured over time, with Malik publicly criticizing Barack and accusing him of being self-serving. He has also expressed conservative views on social media, opposing same-sex marriage and supporting policies for increasing birth rates.
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to Host Fundraisers for Kamala Harris
Former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are set to host separate fundraisers in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. According to sources, Clinton’s event will be a lunch gathering, while Obama will headline an evening event in Los Angeles. Both fundraisers aim to bolster Harris’ campaign as she gears up for the final stretch of the election season.
In August, the Harris campaign raised a staggering $361 million, securing a significant financial advantage over former President Donald Trump’s campaign. These upcoming events, which feature Hollywood elites like Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and former U.S. Ambassador Nicole Avant, are expected to further boost her campaign efforts.
Barack Obama’s L.A. Fundraiser for Kamala Harris Raises Over $4 Million
A high-profile Los Angeles fundraiser hosted by Barack Obama raised more than $4 million for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The event was held at the home of former U.S. Ambassador James Costos and his partner, designer Michael Smith, and attracted a star-studded guest list, including Rob Reiner, Conan O’Brien, and Jennifer Coolidge. The funds raised will support the Harris Victory Fund, a joint committee benefiting the Harris campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and state parties.
Vanessa Williams delivered a powerful rendition of Happy Days Are Here Again at the event, once the anthem of the Democratic Party, signaling a hopeful tone as Harris continues her presidential bid.
