The US election is just around the corner. Olympic champion Carl Lewis leaves no doubt about who he will vote for – and calls for drastic consequences for the other candidate.
A few days before the presidential election in the United States, multiple Olympic champion Carl Lewis once again spoke out in favor of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. “She has to do it,” said the 63-year-old in a “Welt” interview. He is “100 percent behind her and Tim Walz’s campaign.”
Meanwhile, Lewis doesn’t give a damn about Republican candidate Donald Trump. He hopes that the Democrats will be able to maintain the enthusiasm sparked by Harris’ nomination. If this succeeds, “then we will get rid of Trump forever,” Lewis is certain.
In the 2020 election, Trump lost to Joe Biden and subsequently incited his supporters and spoke of election fraud. If he also loses against Harris, similar scenes could possibly occur. At least Lewis does not believe that Trump would accept defeat so easily and is calling for drastic consequences in this case.
“If Trump loses, he will never accept it,” emphasized the ex-athlete and then said: “But I really hope that he goes to prison because he will try to run for office a third time. That is Just my opinion: Put him in prison or he’ll try again, guaranteed.”
The reason: Lewis thinks Trump is a criminal. “And they belong in prison,” he explained. “He has to go to prison because of the many crimes he has committed. It’s all public.” There are a number of legal proceedings underway against Trump, including for possible election manipulation and conspiracy against the United States of America. Trump has already been convicted of sexual assault.
How would Lewis react if the 78-year-old ended up winning the election? “I love the United States of America and that will always be the case, regardless of who is president,” Lewis said. “Yet it would be frustrating if our country elected a convicted criminal who is guilty of, among other things, sexual abuse, who is racist, prejudiced and misogynistic, and who values no one but himself.”
Carl Lewis is considered one of the most successful track and field athletes in the history of sports. Between 1984 and 1996 he won eight Olympic gold medals in the sprint and long jump. He also became world champion eight times.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Carl Lewis: A Champion’s Voice on the Upcoming US Election
Editor: Welcome, Carl, and thank you for joining us today. As a multi-time Olympic champion and a significant voice in the political arena, your insights are invaluable. The election is just around the corner, and we understand you’re firmly supporting Kamala Harris. Can you share what motivated your decision to back her campaign?
Carl Lewis: Thanks for having me! I’m 100 percent behind Kamala Harris. I’ve always believed in the power of leadership that resonates with compassion, integrity, and inclusion. Kamala embodies these values and has the experience to lead our country forward. I believe she can spark enthusiasm and create the change we desperately need.
Editor: That’s a strong endorsement. Given the turbulent political climate, what message do you hope to convey to voters who might be unsure about their choices?
Carl Lewis: It’s crucial for voters to understand the stakes. This isn’t just about one election; this is about our future. Kamala represents hope and progress, and I believe that if we rally behind her, we can build a stronger America—one where everyone has a chance to thrive. If we maintain the enthusiasm sparked by her nomination, we can achieve something significant.
Editor: Speaking of enthusiasm, you expressed concerns about the potential aftermath of a Trump loss. Can you elaborate on why you think drastic consequences might be necessary?
Carl Lewis: Well, Donald Trump has a history of challenging the electoral process, as we saw after the 2020 election. If he were to lose again, there’s a real possibility of him inciting chaos among his supporters. I believe we need to prepare for that, and we must have a clear message: democracy must prevail. Allowing such behavior to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent for the future.
Editor: It sounds like you see this election not just as a political event but as a pivotal moment in maintaining the integrity of democracy. What do you think might happen if those consequences aren’t addressed?
Carl Lewis: If we don’t take decisive steps to ensure accountability and integrity, we risk plunging into deeper divisions. Democracy flourishes when we hold our leaders accountable, and if people see that there are no repercussions for undermining the electoral process, it could lead to further unrest and disillusionment among voters.
Editor: All of this relates back to the role of civic engagement and activism. How do you encourage your fans and followers to get involved in this election cycle?
Carl Lewis: I always advocate for active participation. It starts with educating oneself about the candidates and their policies. Voting is just the beginning; I urge everyone to have conversations in their communities, mobilize, and ensure that their voices are heard. We can’t just sit back and hope for change; we need to be the change.
Editor: Thank you, Carl, for such an engaging discussion. Your passion for democracy and civic engagement is evident, and we appreciate your insights as we approach this crucial election.
Carl Lewis: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure, and I hope more people are inspired to take action as we move forward. Together, we can shape a brighter future for everyone.