Jane Fonda on How to Turn Rage Into Hope: On with Kara Swisher - Pivot Recap

Podcast: Pivot

Published: 2026-02-17

Duration: 50 min

Summary

In this episode, Jane Fonda discusses the interconnected crises of climate change and democracy, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism and electoral strategy. She shares her journey from despair to action, illustrating how individuals can turn their rage into hope and effect meaningful change.

What Happened

Kara Swisher sits down with legendary actor and activist Jane Fonda, who has dedicated her life to various causes including peace, civil rights, and the environment. In a candid conversation, Fonda reflects on her decades-long activism, particularly in light of the current threats to democracy posed by authoritarianism. She emphasizes that the global crises of climate and democracy are interdependent and must be addressed simultaneously, stating, 'the clock is ticking on the climate crisis.'

Fonda reveals her recent efforts through the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which focuses on electing candidates who reject fossil fuel money. She highlights the significant success of the PAC, mentioning that they supported 79 candidates last year, with an impressive 80% winning their races. This grassroots effort aims to build a robust bench for the Democratic Party and ultimately take back the House. Fonda underscores the necessity of local political engagement, likening her strategy to that of the Tea Party but with a focus on environmental issues.

As the conversation unfolds, Fonda discusses the importance of protests and grassroots organizing, describing them as essential to demonstrating the public's strength and unity. She notes that while protests are crucial, they must be complemented by strategic electoral actions to effect real change. Fonda's unwavering commitment to activism serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have when they channel their frustrations into constructive action, stating, 'I was so depressed. And then I said, fuck it. I said, I'm going to make a difference.'

Key Insights

• Fonda emphasizes the interconnectedness of climate change and democracy, arguing they must be addressed together.
• The Jane Fonda Climate PAC focuses on electing candidates who do not take fossil fuel money, achieving significant electoral success.
• Grassroots activism and local political engagement are vital for creating systemic change.
• Fonda believes that while protests are important, they must be paired with strategic efforts in electoral politics to combat authoritarianism.