Pivot

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

with Jane Fonda
17 Feb 2026 4 min read 45m
TL;DR

Jane Fonda argues that channeling rage into organized political action—through her Climate PAC and Committee for the First Amendment—is the antidote to despair and the most effective way to fight for democracy and the environment. She emphasizes that artists have a unique responsibility to use their platforms for social justice, and that taking action itself becomes a tool for beating back depression.

Key Moments
Jane Fonda
“[No transcript — approximate] Artists have a responsibility to use their voices for social justice because they have platforms and reach that others don't”
Explaining why she believes artists should be politically active
Jane Fonda
“[No transcript — approximate] The best antidote to despair is action—when you take action, you beat back depression and you feel more hopeful”
Discussing how to combat feelings of helplessness in the face of political challenges
Jane Fonda
“[No transcript — approximate] We relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment because democracy itself is under attack right now”
Explaining the motivation behind her recent political organizing efforts
Jane Fonda
“[No transcript — approximate] The Jane Fonda Climate PAC is strategic about the midterm elections because we need to elect people who will actually fight for environmental protection”
Describing the PAC's electoral strategy and focus areas
Jane Fonda
“[No transcript — approximate] Rage is fuel—you have to transform it into something constructive rather than letting it paralyze you”
Discussing how to productively channel anger toward social change
About Jane Fonda
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Jane Fonda is an iconic actor and activist who has been fighting for social justice for over five decades. Recently, she relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment and chairs the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is mobilizing for the midterm elections. She discusses how to channel rage into political action and maintain hope while fighting for democracy and environmental protection.
Takeaways
1
Rage as organizing fuel, not paralysis Fonda reframes rage not as an emotion to suppress but as actionable energy that drives political organizing. She argues that the key is channeling anger into strategic, collective action through PACs and committees rather than letting it manifest as despair or burnout. This approach suggests that emotional intensity can be a competitive advantage in mobilization efforts.
2
Platform holders have outsized responsibility Fonda emphasizes that celebrities and public figures have a unique obligation to leverage their reach for social causes, not as partisan actors but as citizens defending democratic institutions. Her committee work and PAC represent a model where cultural influence translates into direct electoral and policy strategy, not just symbolic statements.
3
Action itself combats despair and depression Fonda argues that taking concrete political steps—whether organizing, volunteering, or voting strategically—functions as mental health intervention by replacing helplessness with agency. This framing positions civic participation not just as a civic duty but as a psychological necessity in times of democratic crisis.