CNN
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President Joe Biden on Saturday recognized a wide range of prominent figures in politics, culture and the arts, including former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, designer Ralph Lauren and soccer superstars, with the highest civilian honor. The Presidential Medal of Freedom will be awarded to 19 people. Lionel Messi, U2 frontman Bono, and philanthropist and mega-donor George Soros.
The medal is awarded to “persons who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, security, and world peace of the United States, or to other important social, public, or private endeavors,” according to a White House statement. It is said that Biden himself is an award recipient, receiving the medal from then-President Barack Obama at the end of his administration.
“President Biden believes that great leaders uphold their beliefs, give everyone a fair chance, and prioritize civility above all else,” the White House said in a statement. “These 19 people are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Two prominent American politicians will be honored posthumously: former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and former Michigan Republican Governor George Romney, father of former Sen. Mitt Romney.
In remarks last year praising Kennedy’s wife, Ethel, Biden said, “There are only two political heroes in my life: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy.” At the same time, he also mentioned that the Oval Office was decorated with a bust of Kennedy. . This storied political family has made national headlines in recent months after the Kennedys’ second son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was controversially chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. .
Biden has previously recognized many political allies with the award, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and last year’s South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn.
The president’s decision to honor Clinton comes after Bill and Hillary Clinton presented Biden with the Clinton Global Citizen Award at a surprise ceremony in New York last September. It marked the end of a long history of mutual admiration. An emotional Biden accepted the award and thanked the former secretary of state for “helping me and passionately speaking up for me.”
“I can’t tell you, ask Jill, I — I just love you. I love you,” Biden said.
The president also spoke with liberal mega-donor Soros, who the White House says has “supported organizations and projects around the world that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice,” and a prominent host who served as host. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, will be honored. Political fundraising for the Biden campaign.
Design industry titan Lauren was also among Saturday’s winners. Lauren’s clothes have also been worn by first lady Jill Biden, who wore a Ralph Lauren design on the cover of Vogue magazine in August, and first lady Jill Biden, who wore a Ralph Lauren dress at her 2016 White House wedding. He is a favorite of the Biden family, including his granddaughter Naomi Biden. 2022.
Celebrity chef, humanitarian, and outspoken Trump critic Jose Andres will be recognized for his work at World Central Kitchen, and the White House said he will be “recognizing the impact of natural disasters and conflicts around the world.” It has revolutionized the way food aid is delivered to recipient communities.”
Actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington will be honored in the entertainment category, along with Messi and former NBA player Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Washington was scheduled to be honored in 2022, but had to withdraw from the ceremony after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Last year, musician and humanitarian Bono sat alongside Jill Biden at the State of the Union address and was recognized for his work fighting AIDS and building support for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which celebrated its 20th anniversary. It was done. Last year’s anniversary. Bono and his U2 bandmates were also among the honorees at the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors Ceremony. He will receive the Medal of Freedom on Saturday.
In science, Biden plans to honor Bill Nye, CEO of the Planetary Society and climate change advocate, and Jane Goodall, a world-renowned conservationist. Nye has partnered with the administration in the past to advance President Biden’s efforts to tackle climate change, and is expected to hold an interview with Biden at the White House in 2021 to promote the president’s “Build Back Better” plan. I recorded it. A simplified version of this bill was eventually enacted as the Inflation Control Act, as the first bill did not receive sufficient support in Congress.
Posthumous medals will be presented to civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer and former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, as well as LGBT advocate Tim Gill and private equity leader David Rubenstein. George Stevens Jr., founder of the American Film Institute and Kennedy Center Honors, rounded out the list.
