Don Lemon says to stop calling race debates ‘tough’: ‘Hard … for White people. Let’s be honest’

Don Lemon says it’s incredibly frustrating that so many White people refer to “tough” conversation about race when it comes easy to him.

The CNN host told Jimmy Fallon Thursday night that the blueprint for healing racial divides in America can be found through him and specifically in his new book “How Change Happens.” 

“This book is a great way to grow,” the “Tonight Show” host said. “And, even just have the conversation. Although it’s awkward, sometimes it needs to be had.”

Mr. Lemon signed in exasperation before responding.

“Well, a couple things,” he told the NBC late-night host. “You know, we say that these are tough conversations. For me, they’re not so hard and I, listen, I wish we would stop categorizing them that way. But I understand it’s really hard for some people, and especially for White people. Let’s just be honest.”

The conversation then zeroed in politically right-leaning Americans as the primary impediment to racial unity.

“Of course, there’s progress,” Mr. Lemon assured the NBC audience. “Of course, we’re seeing change happen, and all of the machinations that you see from the alt-right, and from the racists, and from the neo-Nazis, and from the Capitol insurrectionists, you’ll be surprised for me — to hear me say that I’m optimistic about the future. Because I think — because the reason we’re seeing all of that is because people are afraid of how this country is changing.” 

Mr. Fallon, deeply appreciative of Mr. Lemon’s commentary, responded: “It’s always great to talk to you every chance I can get. I love you, bud.”