Van Jones
David Urban

About Our Conversation

Despite being from opposite political sides, Van Jones and David Urban kicked off the Coffee + Courage Challenge at the Democratic National Convention. In their video, they share that despite these very different political ideologies, they have found “common grounds” when it comes to believing in the shared sense of the American Dream.

Below is a transcription of the video:

DU – Hey, it’s David Urban and Van Jones here at the Democratic National Convention.

VJ – I’m happy.

DU – Van’s happy. Listen, we’re sitting here talking about what’s great about our country and what we love and what’s the best part. So, Van, what do you think? What’s the promise of America?

VJ – Yeah. For me, the American Promise is you can fulfill your potential. You have the opportunity to actually reach your [it]. You may not get where you want to go, but you at least have a shot.

DU – Yeah, and you know, Van was kind enough — when you had your Van and a van show, which I loved — you came to my hometown and we drove around. I showed you like where I was from and my roots and that opportunity I had to kind of make myself better, lift myself up. The first guy in my family to go to college, all those kind of great things and get here. I mean, every American should have that opportunity. Every American should have that — to be able to fulfill and live to their biggest potential.

VJ – Now listen, you’re on the Right, I’m on the Left. But we both agree on that. And I’ve never seen a bird fly with only a left wing or only a right wing. We need each other.

DU – Yeah, we need each other. Listen, so we encourage you to take the Coffee Challenge. We’re going to work together to form a more perfect union. We encourage you to as well. Van, thanks for doing it, buddy.

VJ – Love you bro.

DU and VJ – Thank you.