Bruce Springsteen writes today he's supporting Sen. Barack Obama for president.
Here's his note, courtesy of the Obama campaign:
Dear Friends and Fans:Like most of you, I've been following the campaign and I have now seen and heard enough to know where I stand. Senator Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest.
He has the depth, the reflectiveness, and the resilience to be our next President. He speaks to the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that's interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit. A place where "...nobody crowds you, and nobody goes it alone."
At the moment, critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships. While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision, so well described in his excellent book, Dreams of My Father, often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment.
After the terrible damage done over the past eight years, a great American reclamation project needs to be undertaken. I believe that Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead that project and to lead us into the 21st Century with a renewed sense of moral purpose and of ourselves as Americans.
Over here on E Street, we're proud to support Obama for President.
— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times
Comments (7)
Imagine that a washed up old Rock Star supporting a Liberal Demo-Rat
Posted by Lance Newell | April 16, 2008 11:43 AM
Wow.
Posted by Lisa W | April 16, 2008 12:17 PM
Today the WA Times described Hillary Clinton's speech from yesterday, attacking Bush and his tactics and policies. Excerpts from her speech were excellent. I am a 39 yr old woman and I have been supporting Obama and have been sad not to be able to support a woman for president, because of her nasty campaign strategy. When I read the article I wished that Hillary Clinton had run her whole campaign that way, attacking the real culprits-the mega rich, their lobbyists, and BUSH.
Had she done that, and not attacked a guy that believes what she believes, she would have won my vote and probably enough votes to be President. Shame on YOU Hillary Clinton. Think you've got time to fix it now?
Posted by Beni | April 16, 2008 12:27 PM
What is economic and racial justice? When did they become major political issues? This sounds like many of Obama's speeches. The words come together well but what is behind them? I do agree with Springsteen in some respects, the Congress of the United States has done nothing in the past eight years.
Posted by Larry Stone | April 16, 2008 2:21 PM
@Lance-
"Washed up old rock star"? Hmmm? Boy, then I have wasted LOTS
of money on tickets in the past 30 years(many of them in the past 10 years) to perhaps the greatest live musical performances anyone could ever see. I'm sorry if you don't appreciate Bruce's music, but to call him "washed up" just because you are obviously a Conservative Re-pug-lican(see I can be small-minded, too :) )seems kind of unfair.
Posted by Kate M | April 17, 2008 12:42 PM
RE: Beni
Economic justice has everything to do with politics...well politicians at least pretend that it does in election years.
But seriously, take some time to read Fast Food Nation, Nickel and Dimed, and The World is Flat and you might get a taste for what the US has devolved into (or has always been - depending on your viewpoint). The USA is a Democratic "Capital-ocracy" not a Capitalistic Democracy - think about it.
RE: The Boss
Celebrity endorsements are bothersome, more so because the media covers them like words from the golden child. It perpetuates the idea that if you're rich and famous your opinion matters more. I would argue most celebrities are NOT good sounding boards on political issues, especially since their financial & personal lives are so out of whack - compared to the "average" American.
Chalk it up to good 'ol American values - if you can make pretty noises (sing) or can do amazing things with a ball (sports), you're worth listening to. Teachers, Fire Fighters, Police, Librarians...just not headline material.
...maybe we should just start polling all the reality TV stars - I bet they have some amazing insight!
Posted by Leinad | April 17, 2008 12:48 PM
If Sen. Clinton can be trusted, she has to drop out the race. She is just dragging her defeat and humiliation to the longest weeks to come.
I feel sorry for U.
Posted by Monello | April 17, 2008 9:09 PM