When celebrities are going to be at a free event basically in your backyard on a Thursday, you have to go! And that’s what I did! The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sponsored this Likover Lecture to shed light on two areas: abortion and voting rights. So naturally, they tapped two celebrities who are very passionate about these topics: Ike Barinholtz and Busy Philipps!
This was my first time ever hearing about the event, so I learned that Ike spoke last year, which is why this year’s was more focused on Busy’s story and views. Ike asked her lots of questions about her views on abortion, which she had also detailed in her book, This Will Only Hurt a Little. She also detailed her experience going before Congress. That was very interesting!
Ike discussed his passion for voting and why he thinks everyone needs to vote. He also talked a lot about getting a good “circle” of people around you and make sure that you’re all voting for something. Not against. And I thought that was a good reminder. There are people who also just may not want to vote at all, and he’s trying really hard to get you to try and help those people understand that their opinions matter. He’s also very much aware that there are people you can’t sway your way, and that’s okay, too.
While these were heavier topics, being both comics in their own way, they kept the dialogue light and relatable and I appreciated that. It wouldn’t be a super fun event though, if there weren’t autographs and selfies to be had! So yes, I got the chance to meet these two up close and personal, and tell them how much I liked Cougar Town and The Mindy Project. They were just two insanely nice people who just want you to get excited about your civic duty!