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Published 10:32 IST, October 28th 2020

Barack Obama appears on LeBron's The Shop in another attempt to increase voter turnout

Former President Barack Obama will be making an appearence on LeBron James' HBO Show 'The Shop', making another attempt to increase voter turnout together.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Former US President Barack Obama and Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James have worked towards promoting voting for months. While asking people to vote regularly, they've also aimed at increasing black voter turnout. James even started More Than a Vote, focused on helping black people cast their vote, while even explaining the process to them. Most recently, Obama and James have teamed up for the same cause, as the former President will be appearing on James' show The Shop. 

Also read | Barack Obama lauds 'extraordinary leader' James for winning fourth NBA title: LeBron James and Barack Obama

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Barack Obama to appear on LeBron James The Shop before US Election 2020

Both Obama and James teased the show and their contents some days ago. James has had many guests on The Shop, but Obama will appear days before the election. Per reports, both of them will discuss topics like racial justice on the show. While not much of the actual conversation was revealed, they will be discussing "the NBA bubble, the racial justice movement, and what’s at stake over these next seven days".

Also read | US election 2020: What happens if Trump-Biden race ends up in a draw?

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The number seven is a direct reference to the presidential elections just a few days away. While the teasers were released on Tuesday (Wednesday IST), The Shop will air on Friday, 9:00 PM EST (Saturday, 6:30 AM IST).  

Also read | Did LeBron James say he wants nothing to do with white people? LeBron James The Shop interview

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While both are aiming at increasing voter turnout, James recently spoke about the matter in an interview with The New York Times. As per James, he is more interested in increasing black voter turnout than focusing on Donald Trump's removal. “You can see it every time. Who didn’t vote? What counties didn’t vote? What communities didn’t vote? And a lot of that has had to do with our black people," James explains. He added that he hopes he can get them out, and educate them about how voting can be. 

Also read | LeBron James welcomes "Mr President" Barack Obama to NBA Finals virtual fan section: LeBron James and Barack Obama

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While James (and other athletes who have joined) have been working by promoting via More Than A Vote, Obama has also addressed black men directly, speaking about making any difference they can, even though it might change things right away. He was also one of the virtual fans at the NBA Finals, there to congratulate a group of first-time poll workers. 

(Image credits: AP, LeBron James Instagram)

10:32 IST, October 28th 2020