Former President Bill Clinton delivered a politically charge commencement address on Saturday as part of CNN’s two-hour primetime special honoring the class of 2020.
“I urge you to embrace the challenge. The world needs you. Your country needs you,” Clinton said, warning students across the country that the Chinese coronavirus pandemic has released them “into an uncertain future.”
“Even before the outbreak, you knew you were entering a world of growing inequalities, and divisive tribalism, with people pulling away from those who are different from them,” Bill Clinton said. “Seething resentments and a broken information system have empowered those who for profit and power for themselves, are willing to inflame our worst instincts. It’s put your future, our democracy, and our very planet at risk.”
“I know you’ve been dealt a hard hand, but you can play it well,” the former president continued. “With a tough but open mind and a caring heart, you can help keep us together.”
As the coronavirus upended the U.S. economy and killed more than 89,000, it forced school closures across the country. By the end of March, most schools were closed, leaving the class of 2020 to celebrate graduation with virtual events and socially distant celebrations.
The CNN “In This Together” event featured a carousel of celebrities saluting graduates from their homes. Stars from Wonder Women star Gal Gadot to actors, Amy Schumer, Jason Alexander, Keegan-Michael Key, Anthony Anderson, Henry Winkler, and MLB legend Alex Rodriguez all congratulated graduates.
Jerome Hudson is Breitbart News Entertainment Editor and author of the bestselling book 50 Things They Don’t Want You to Know. Order your copy today. Follow Jerome Hudson on Twitter and Instagram @jeromeehudson