Bill Simmons welcomed Caitlyn Jenner to the set of his HBO show, Any Given Wednesday, on Wednesday night. The conversation was far-ranging, however, Simmons specifically asked Jenner about whether or not the Olympic Games should be used to make political statements. In addition to whether or not he still sees himself as a “conservative Republican.”
Here is what Jenner had to say:
>> Bill: We've seen some competitive athletes speaking out over the summer, Carmelo and Serena, about police shootings and things like that. Do you think the Olympics should be used to make political statements?
>> Jenner: Absolutely not. The Olympics are one of the greatest institutions for good in the world. We have worked through the Olympic movement than in the U.N. It has such tremendous potential to bring people together, for sport, for great competition, to bring this world together. There was no other arena like that in the world. And for organizations to use it for their political advantage just bothers the heck out of me.
>> Bill: Speaking of politics, on your show, think it was season 2, your friends were giving you guff about being a conservative Republican.
>> Jenner: They were? Oh, okay.
>> Bill: I thought your response was really interesting.
>> Jenner: Which is?
>> Bill: That's who I am. Do you still feel that way?
>> Jenner: Of course I do. The simple things, I believe in our constitution, I believe the federal government was originally the constitution with 18 enumerated powers. We have exceeded that. It's ridiculous. They are in control of everything. And I think the Republican side, although I've been very disappointed with them even over the last ten, 20 years, has a better opportunity to bring this country back to really as close as you can to what it was.
>> Bill: Have you supported Trump yet?
>> Jenner: No, honestly I have not outwardly supported anybody. I am here to help since I am on the Republican side, to help the entire Republican Party do a better job when it comes to LGBT issues. For that reason I stay kind of on the conservative side. Now, the Republican Party, obviously, they are not, have not been as good when it comes to LGBT issues and social issues. So I have kind of positions myself with the Republican Party of trying to help these people understand the Republican Party to kind of understand what the issues are for the LGBT community and obviously in my case the T portion. We have nine times higher suicide rate than the young kids, very prone to bullying, not fitting in, the murder rate is way, way too high of trans individuals. Maybe I can help Republican Party do a better job when it comes to these type of issues.
