Hear Michael Douglas' response when asked if Biden is too old for a second term

Summary

In a deep and engaging interview, Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas discusses his illustrious career and current role as Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV Plus series 'Franklin'. He reflects on how Franklin, with little diplomatic experience, significantly contributed to America's independence by securing French support. Douglas also explores the traits common to the powerful figures he has portrayed, including Gordon Gekko and President Andrew Shepherd, emphasizing a more subtle approach to embodying such characters. Additionally, Douglas shares personal insights into his life, discussing his adoption of Stoicism influenced by Franklin, and his views on political participation and aging, paralleling President Biden's scenario.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Michael Douglas is an Oscar-winning actor and producer known for his roles as an idealistic American president, a Wall Street investor, and Liberace.
• 🏆 He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko in the 1987 film 'Wall Street', where he famously stated, 'Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.'
• 🎬 With a career spanning nearly 60 years, Douglas is now playing Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV Plus series 'Franklin', highlighting a significant moment in American diplomacy.
• 👴 At the age of 70, Franklin was sent to France to secure support for the newly independent United States, a mission that was crucial for America's survival as a nation.
• 🌟 Despite having no formal diplomatic background, Franklin's fame, particularly due to his experiments with electricity, and his charm helped him win over the French monarchy.
• 🧐 Douglas emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the ability to connect ideas to form a comprehensive vision, comparing Franklin's approach to that of Elon Musk.
• 📚 The actor has adopted stoicism, inspired by Franklin's love for Marcus Aurelius, which he finds helpful in personal development and contributing to the world.
• 🤔 Douglas was once encouraged to run for governor of California but declined, suggesting that he was not interested in being a 'kamikaze pilot' in politics.
• 👴 On aging, Douglas shares his thoughts on President Biden's capability, stating that despite common concerns about age, Biden remains sharp and effective.
• 📉 Douglas discusses the importance of local elections and the need for presidential candidates to be actively involved in grassroots politics, advocating for a bottom-up approach to change.
• 🌐 He stresses the significance of the upcoming election, considering it the most critical of his lifetime, and emphasizes the need for a leader with global experience and the ability to manage international relations.

Q & A

What character did Michael Douglas win an Academy Award for Best Actor?

Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Gordon Gekko in the 1987 film 'Wall Street'.

Can you describe the new role Michael Douglas is portraying on Apple TV Plus?

Michael Douglas is currently starring as Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV Plus series titled 'Franklin'. In this role, he portrays Franklin during a pivotal time in history, focusing on his diplomatic efforts in France to support the American Revolution.

What key moment of diplomacy does Michael Douglas discuss about Benjamin Franklin?

Michael Douglas discusses Benjamin Franklin's mission to France to seek support for the American Revolution, highlighting his strategic efforts and challenges, including dealing with spies and securing French alliance, which was crucial for America's independence from British rule.

According to Michael Douglas, what common trait does he bring to his portrayals of powerful characters like Gordon Gekko and Benjamin Franklin?

Michael Douglas believes that when portraying powerful characters, the actor can afford to play against the expected traits of power due to the character’s established reputation. He suggests a more passive approach, letting the audience's knowledge of the character add to the portrayal rather than overtly displaying power.

How does Michael Douglas relate Benjamin Franklin to Elon Musk?

Michael Douglas compares Benjamin Franklin to Elon Musk based on their similar traits of immense curiosity and the ability to link ideas to create comprehensive innovations. He notes both figures' capabilities to transform complex concepts into executable realities.

What philosophical approach has Michael Douglas adopted from his role as Benjamin Franklin?

From his role as Benjamin Franklin, Michael Douglas has embraced Stoicism, which he describes as a philosophy that emphasizes internal personal growth and resilience, similar to the blend of Protestant and Jewish ethical values.

What impact did the film 'The China Syndrome' have on Michael Douglas' real-life activities?

The film 'The China Syndrome' significantly influenced Michael Douglas' real-life involvement in nuclear nonproliferation efforts, demonstrating how his roles can inspire his off-screen interests and activities.

What did Michael Douglas reveal about potential political ambitions?

Michael Douglas shared that he has been approached to run for political office, such as governor of California, but has declined. He jokingly compared the recruitment for the role to looking for a 'kamikaze pilot'.

What are Michael Douglas’ thoughts on President Biden’s capability as he ages?

Michael Douglas believes that despite concerns about aging, President Biden remains 'sharp as a tack'. He compares himself to Biden, highlighting their shared experiences and challenges with aging, and shows support for Biden’s potential continuing leadership.

Why does Michael Douglas emphasize the importance of local elections?

Michael Douglas stresses the importance of local elections as foundational to political change. He argues that effective governance and societal improvement often start from the grassroots level, advocating for active participation in local politics to enact change.