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Arts·Group Chat

How did Barack Obama become a tastemaker?

Vulture's Jennifer Zhan and NPR TV critic Eric Deggans share their thoughts on Obama's cultural relevance.

Jennifer Zhan and Eric Deggans discuss Obama's lasting cultural relevance

CBC Arts ·
Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Copenhagen Democracy Summit at Skuespilhuset in Copenhagen
Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Copenhagen Democracy Summit at Skuespilhuset in Copenhagen, Friday, June 10, 2022. (Philip Davali/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) (Philip Davali/Ritzau Scanpix/The Associated Press)

Seven years after leaving the White House, Barack Obama is still a cultural force. Unlike some presidents, who decide to paint portraits after their tenure as president, Obama is rebranding as a tastemaker. 

His production company Higher Ground has been making acclaimed movies, including Rustin, American Symphony and Leave The World Behind. Then there are his year-end lists where he shares his favourite movies, books and music. 

Vulture's Jennifer Zhan and NPR TV critic Eric Deggans join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to share their thoughts on Obama's cultural relevance.

LISTEN | Today's episode on YouTube:

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Panel produced by Jessica Low.

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