Bruce Springsteen endorsed Barack Obama today as his preferred next President. If you would like, you could read the letter that he posted on his webpage, www.brucespringsteen.net. i can only describe that letter as graceful and thoughtful.
Obviously, there do exist arguments against political campaign endorsements by celebs, artists, even other politicians. When Bill Richardson endorsed Obama, there were plenty of suspicious comments, as in, oh yeah he is just angling for the VP job. Well, I do not think that is the case with Springsteen. There seems little possibility of personal gain.
Surely, it is possible to argue that Springsteen should stick to his job. But the thing is, Springsteen's job (as he has always seen it) has been to speak truth about the realities of life in the USA of our time. He has never never been one to hide from an awkward truth in his lyrics. Nobody is spared, not even himself.
If you have read some of my previous posts on The Boss, you are aware that I respect him as an artist. His recent album, "Magic" is themed on the disillusion and heartbreak in America as we observe or participate in the occupation of Iraq. "Your own worst enemy comes to town" is one of my favorite songs, a wry look at GWB and ourselves before and after. I respect Springsteen as a person not just as a singer or songwriter. He has lived his life in a way that commands respect- not just another drug snorting wife beating celeb.
Of course, if you prefer Jessica Simpson as a musical artist, you could go with her pick, George W. Bush. Sorry, I guess that was snide. He can't run again, anyway.
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Comments: 42
I kind of think most of those you mention have avoided politics, right?
Now if you were talking about Barbara Striesand, Elton John your comments would be right on.
I wonder who Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp are supporting ?
I have a lot more respect for the artist who challenges his fans rather than vocalizes their prejudices. I am thinking more along the lines of Bob Dylan first abandoning acoustical protest with his electrified Nashville sound then being reborn as a Christian and exploring religious themes in his music.
Bruce Springsteen does pop-angst well for people who have never experienced real-angst but then again what else could one expect from a millionaire pop-star?
Really, why do they do this? The last person's opinion that would change how I feel about a candidate, one way or the other is 1. A celebrity 2. Another Politician.
How do you know he doesn't do drugs? And it seems to me that he was married to one woman when he hooked up with Patty Scialfa, a member of his band. But whatever. I didn't even know he was still making music.
I've never liked him and I don't give a rat's behind what or who celebrities endorse. In fact, I have negative thoughts about a candidate who gets celebrity endorsements.
What a bunch of dolts we are if we give weight to who someone endorses simply because they happen to be famous.
Okay!
I was glad to see him endorse Obama. Just another famous person endorsing him. How many famous people are endorsing Hillary aside from America Ferrara? (I just saw her talking about Hillary on Ellen's show).
Anyway, I'm glad that Bruce did this. When he speaks, I listen.
I do think it's a bit silly to throw around the term "endorsement". But that may just be a matter of semantics. Mr. Springsteen has as much right to speak his mind about the election as anyone does. He is fortunate enough that he has large audience and quite a bit of money, but so do many people who speak their minds about politics.
I would hope that no one is going to make their decisions in the election based on what any celebbrity has said.
He's a rock star, plain and simple. To me, his political leanings are of no consequence.
In other words, none, but I'm an Obama supporter anyway.
It is nice to see, though, and may help with the "Obama is an elitist" garbage.
The so called "Boss", Mariah Carey, Madonna, Tom Cruise etc. Are at the head of every line, never wait for a table, are insulated by security teams, dressed and made up by the personal appearance entourages, are advised where to stand in the best light, have personal assistants pick up their dry cleaning, and secretaries to manage their calendar, and have "a driver." These people are going to have ANY kind of advice for me? Ha ha ha.
The opinion of the kid next door has more of an impact on me than the lot of super celebs.
A millionaire that doesn't live like a millionaire. *chuckle* He has someone put his pants on for him one leg at a time just like the rest of us?
He's a regular joe huh? No groundskeeping staff? No cook? No body guards? Changes his own oil? Just lives in the neighborhood like you or I? Presumably you could walk next door and ask him to help you carry your old couch out to the curb. That's how I picture guys who don't "live like multimillionaires." Something tells me I wouldn't get within 50 yards of his 24 hour a day monitored and patrolled front door.
McCain/Palin '08