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Posted by Jeff Mason
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Freedom Award to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, actor Michael J. Fox and conservationist Jane Goodall on Saturday in one of his acts. legal finals.
Biden, a Democrat who leaves the White House on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, also gave what is considered the highest US public honor to Bono’s personal singer and U2, composer fashion designer Ralph Lauren (NYSE:), “Science Guy” Bill Nye, actor Denzel Washington, basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Others who were honored at the White House included Tim Gill, an LGBT expert; David Rubenstein, philanthropist and co-founder of The The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ :); and George Stevens Jr., writer and director who founded the American Film Institute.
International soccer star Lionel Messi, who did not attend the ceremony, also received the award. White House officials said the Argentinian player has a scheduling conflict. Investor and philanthropist George Soros also accepted the award but did not attend the ceremony. His son Alex accepted it in his place.
Biden also presented the Medal of Freedom posthumously to Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist; Ash Carter, former defense secretary; Robert F. Kennedy, former attorney general and United States senator and brother of President John F. Kennedy; and George Romney, businessman and former governor of Michigan and secretary of Housing and Urban Development (NS:). His son, Senator Mitt Romney, accepted on his behalf.
Biden called the group of recipients “truly amazing people” who have given their efforts to the cause and culture of America.
Polls reflect some of Biden’s passions, allies and heroes.
Clinton, who made her historic and unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2016, has been a supporter of Biden, including his re-election bid until his resignation in July. The former US senator and first lady received a standing ovation from the White House crowd.
Fox, star of the movies “Back to the Future” and the TV shows “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” has Parkinson’s disease and entered the East Room in a wheelchair but walked, with help, and stood as Biden presented the award. on his neck. He smiled and clapped throughout the ceremony.
Biden says Kennedy is one of his “true political heroes.” Kathleen Kennedy, the late senator’s daughter, accepted the award on her behalf.
Andres, the founder of the charity group World Central Kitchen, has fed many people in conflict zones, including Gaza, where some of his aid workers were killed last year. He tried to hold back tears when he accepted the award.