[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04GpY2OPxBc[/youtube]
Keith Olbermann: When celebrities and performers get involved in politics, obviously there can be an impact — the obvious example, Oprah Winfrey with Barack Obama. Is there any concern that they sometimes blowback, that it could be hurtful to a candidate or to a cause?
John Cusack: Yeah, I think when you say something is as important as what you say in some ways. And, you know, I certainly wouldn’t want to lecture the electorate or the American people about anything. But on the same token I have a right to speak out and speak my mind, and democracy requires participation. And some things are so egregious, and I think that this administration — as you’ve chronicled for seven years — has been so criminal and lawless that I think morality compels you to speak out.
I know, I know: Some will say they wish celebrities would stick to their jobs and leave politics to the politicians. I’d say if we had more politicians who would step up to their responsibilities, then the rest of us could stand down and stop clamoring.
