“CBS MORNINGS” EXCLUSIVE: Co-host Tony Dokoupil spoke with John Legend about whether celebrity endorsements affect elections and why he is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris.

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When asked why he decided to weigh in on this election, Legend said: “Politics affects all of our lives and we’re all citizens. We all have a stake in what happens in this country. We pay taxes here. Our kids are growing up here, going to schools here. And I don’t want to sit out. I want to make sure that my voice is heard, but also that I lift up other voices and make sure they’re heard too.”

On why Legend is supporting VP Harris: “ ... I live in California, so I’ve gotten to watch her run for election multiple times. And seen how smart and charismatic and empathetic and how ready she is for this, she’s prepared herself for this role. She is eminently qualified to be president. And then she also has the right character traits I think to be a great president, which means she cares about people’s lives, wants government to work for people and improve their lives.”

When asked about the notion that the Democratic party is “the party of coastal elites,” Legend said: “ ... but then they’re represented by a guy who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth, who was gifted a real estate company, grew up in New York City and is only famous because he was on national television playing a businessman. So, you know, it doesn’t ring very true for them to accuse us of being the Hollywood elites. I’m from Springfield, Ohio. I grew up in a blue-collar family. I would not even comprehend the kind of upbringing someone like Donald Trump had.”

When asked if celebrity endorsements are beneficial: “ ... I think it’s important for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to focus on the people. Don’t focus on us. Go out there, talk to the people, listen to their concerns. And you can tell from the policy pronouncements that Vice President Harris put out last week talkin’ about the economy, she’s not doin’ that for me. She’s doing that for everyday Americans. And that’s what she needs to keep her eye on and keep her ear to, is the concerns of everyday Americans.”