Important news: Bruce Springsteen endorses Obama
posted at 12:00 pm on April 16, 2008 by Allahpundit
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In which an A-list celebrity “common man” worth untold millions lends some extra blue-collar authenticity to an Ivy League law professor “common man” fond of explaining small-town behavior through the prism of false consciousness. Good enough for the AFP, which seems mighty taken with “gritty parables.”
Dude actually quotes his own lyrics.
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.”
The telltale word there, of course, being “depth.” This isn’t about policies — you won’t find a single concrete proposal cited at the link, although the Boss does pay lip service to the murky idea of “enhancing” the environment — it’s about the vibe. Obama’s deep, man. He gets it. He’ll be all right. Exit question: Given that Hillary’s policies are the same as his, does that mean she’s “deep” too?
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jencab on April 16, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Worked wonders for Kerry.
Keep whining, Brucey.
Bored in the USA!
profitsbeard on April 16, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Heh. If The Bruce is an authentic “blue collar man”, then I’m the King of Kansas City.
Badger in KC on April 16, 2008 at 12:04 PM
“Born in the USA” is all about small town, working man bitterness…it could be Obama’s “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow.”
Nosferightu on April 16, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Badger in KC-
Bruce’s butler will be over to smack you shortly.
profitsbeard on April 16, 2008 at 12:05 PM
profitsbeard-
He’d better be prepared. I am, after all, bitter.
Badger in KC on April 16, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Well (yawn!), imagine my shock upon hearing this news. Now everyone who happens to think Bruce is a good singer/songwriter can make an informed choice for President, at least until Madonna comes out with HER endorsement.
Probably for Hilary. Then we’ll all be torn, won’t we?
manwithblackhat on April 16, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Quoting himself? What an ass.
Enrique on April 16, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Don’t knock the boss!
Say what you will about him, but he did come out of a working-class environment. And he gave voice to that experience as well as any other artist (or musician at least) of the 20th Century.
Tom_Shipley on April 16, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I can’t believe no one told me it was 1984 again!
its vintage duh on April 16, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Darksean says that’s a deeply elitist comment.
Darksean on April 16, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Brucey, clinging to his guitar like a gun.
Bitter that Hannah Montana/Mylie Cyrus outsells him.
Even with his a phoney midwestern twang.
(From west Perth Amboy.)
He and Barry can commiserate, after the loss, over lattes in Cannes.
profitsbeard on April 16, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Whatevs.
MarkoMancuso on April 16, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I went to a Springsteen concert and to a Eric Clapton concert – I’ll take Clapton any day over the overrated Springsteen.
Hilts on April 16, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Bruce Springsteen has now officially joined the ranks of Elton John, namely artists I USED to listen to until they started saying or doing really stupid things. John Mellencamp may be next.
pilamaye on April 16, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I’m sorry… um, “important”???
Warner Todd Huston on April 16, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Maybe its because I am only on my second cup of coffee and not completely awake (its 6:19 here) but – yawn…so what??
Please call me when someone says something significant.
HawaiiLwyr on April 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM
He may be your boss but he’s not mine. Big friggin deal he came out of a working class back ground, so did I and millions others. He has nothing in common with working stiffs (and neither does McCain, Hillary and B. Hussein Obama). The sun does not set or rise on Springsteen’s behind.
Hilts on April 16, 2008 at 12:20 PM
LOL!
wise_man on April 16, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Wow — that’s big… !
I wonder who Steve and Edie are endorsing??
D2Boston on April 16, 2008 at 12:20 PM
how do you get to E Street? Hang a left on Rodeo Drive!
mymanpotsandpans on April 16, 2008 at 12:22 PM
To think I’ve bought of few of his albums in the past, and even played “Cover Me” in a band I was in. I used to like that song. Still like the songs, just have to put on my liberal blinders.
kirkill on April 16, 2008 at 12:24 PM
I enjoy his music, and that’s about it. Being a musician or an actor does not give you any special insight.
rbj on April 16, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Isn’t it strange how in the 33 years since Time and Newsweek put him on the cover the same week, the music industry hasn’t been able to find any other working class singers? (Mellancamp was signed as Johnny Cougar, a Bowie knockoff before he was rebranded.) To the media, Springsteen isn’t the spokesman for the working class; he’s the entire blue collar population.
mymanpotsandpans on April 16, 2008 at 12:26 PM
I guess he needs a teleprompter also.
Kini on April 16, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Of course, they find British working class singers, like Joe Strummer of the Clash. Until they found out he went to boarding school.
mymanpotsandpans on April 16, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Snooooore…I’m not a Boss fan and I’ve heard enough of his music in college to know all the words without really wanting to. I even went to one of his gigs in ‘77 and was very disappointed; it seemed that he was so dried out on cigs and coke that it looked and sounded like he was suffering from a bad case of ‘roids. Whatever, that’s not the point. He should do what all rock stars should do: just Shut Up and Sing! (Thank you Laura.)
However, I will say that the picture AP used is unfair. It makes him look like one of the dudes in Time Bandits. They are alot smarter than he is, cuter too.
Christine on April 16, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I stopped listening to Springsteen years ago. His music was okay but I got sick of his clueless political preaching.
Cicero43 on April 16, 2008 at 12:29 PM
The only place you hear his music anymore is by some cover band at a bar on the Jersey Shore.
I like the Parker House.
kcluva on April 16, 2008 at 12:30 PM
“Dimwitted Leftist Entertainer Endorses Liberal Politician” – talk about “Dog Bites Man”.
Shut up and sing, already.
Lehuster on April 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM
What is it with that photo? It make Springsteen look like the “Spittin’-Image” version of himself.
wearyman on April 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I grew up near the Springsteens. Bruce never worked a day in his life, in the employ of another, for a paycheck.
The blue collar honor belongs to his parents… not Bruce.
bloviator on April 16, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Celebrity endorsements are more about the celebrity than the candidate. Some endorsements might help turnout but few change minds.
It would be hard to read Springsteen’s lyrics and not see an Obama vote from him. His politics are in line with his songs.
dedalus on April 16, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Just checked the ‘does it matter’ meter. Still at zero.
Limerick on April 16, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Fixed that…
db on April 16, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Now he isn’t full of himself is he?! He has such a good track record of endorsing presidential nominees doesn’t he?
Reaganite84 on April 16, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Let’s all remember that Springsteen is an entertainer. That is just one step above a court jester. A lot of people should remember this when they try to live vicariously through these people. They may play the guitar well, sing, dance and act. At the end of the day, they are clowns, court jesters and story-tellers. They do not live in the same world as the rest of us and we should not listen to their advice.
Kinda puts it in perspective doesn’t it?
JonR on April 16, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Time to pull out and dust off my favorite Alice Cooper quote:
db on April 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Well, Bruce probably could share a stage with Jeremiah Wright and perform his “41 Shots” number that endeared The Boss so much to the New York City Police Department. After all, Obama’s only insulted working class rural people this month; there’s still the urban working class to tick off.
jon1979 on April 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Alice probably does read the WSJ, when he’s not working on his scratch handicap on the links.
dedalus on April 16, 2008 at 1:04 PM
He came out of a working class environment at a time when most working class lived quite comfortably — just like most of us did. And his father worked, he didn’t.
Exactly how much is Springsteen worth? I guess $100 million. Maybe, he should put his money where his mouth is and be more charitable.
Blake on April 16, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Man, talk about Dancing In The Dark!
pilamaye on April 16, 2008 at 1:09 PM
$100MM doesn’t go very far in the government’s hands when the budget is around $3 trillion. He probably pays quite a bit in taxes, with his property taxes on his Rumson estate probably in the 6 figures.
dedalus on April 16, 2008 at 1:12 PM
The other Alice Cooper I like was, paraphrasing, that asking a rock star’s opinion on politics was like asking the guy who delivers your pizza.
mymanpotsandpans on April 16, 2008 at 1:17 PM
This man has been irrelevant for over 20 years now. Not worth a blog post.
southsideironworks on April 16, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Gee, I wonder if this means Shill and Bill are going to respond by rustling up yet another tired Fleetwood Mac reunion
pilamaye on April 16, 2008 at 1:28 PM
I guess that’s what happens when you make a lot of money and forget your values, where you came from, and hang around with mindless leftists … your brain turns to crap.
It was pretty evident with his music. When he was a nobody he produced some great stuff, then he became popular and his stuff gradually became crap, just like his brain.
darwin on April 16, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Bruce, Obama, “tunnel of love” Not gonna do it!
dmann on April 16, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Is Bruce the speech writer for Obama? They both use a lot of flowery rhetoric to say nothing substantive. Maybe Obama can just sing Springsteen songs rather than give speeches.
NNtrancer on April 16, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Barack Obama is Ellsworth Toohey.
spmat on April 16, 2008 at 1:50 PM
The Boss is a political bust. All these lefty wingnut musicians are screwed up in the head, I guess from too many years of snorting Draino.
Every now and then you hear a guy like Toby Keith who actually makes sense whether you agree with him or not. The rest are like the “butterball” dixie chick.
saiga on April 16, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Sure his endorsement means nothing, but why all the Bruce hate? With the exception of Dylan, is there a better song writer out there?
It’s not like he’s hanging with despots like other “celebs”.
sweeper on April 16, 2008 at 2:04 PM
I can’t stand Bruce Springsteen. Never have; never will.
If I want to hear someone singing … who sounds like he’s passing a bowling ball – I might listen to Springsteen.
OhEssYouCowboys on April 16, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Bruce did some good stuff like “The Fever, Racing in the Streets, I’m on Fire” years ago before he got too stupid.
Like I said, snorting Draino takes it’s toll.
saiga on April 16, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Who dresses like that? What a weenie. Nobody cares about your pathetic leftist politics, schmucko.
Jaibones on April 16, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Bruce was the music businesses answer to the chick flick. All that empathy. Yuck. What a putz. New Jersey a**clown.
dingbat on April 16, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I’ve played Pink Cadillac and Glory Days (three chords each). I have the cassette tape of the Born In The USA album, given to me by a relative who lived in NJ.
I remember seeing those covers, which called him the next rock superstar, before I ever heard any of his music, and wondered, “Who is this guy”? I found out a few years later.
Bigfoot on April 16, 2008 at 2:22 PM
He and John Cougar are two guys I can not stand. They’re multi multi millionaires who are brash enough to attempt to tell people what it’s like to being a working class Joe.
I should give a shit about what he says and who he endorses because….?
RWLA on April 16, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Springsteen endorsed Kerry, and per several pollsters, it actually made some potential voters less likely to vote for him. Let him endorse, its not going to help the big O. He should stick to songwriting, and leave the politics (and singing) to others.
Think_b4_speaking on April 16, 2008 at 2:25 PM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
RobG on April 16, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Those who haven’t followed his career, generally tend to talk out their a*% when it comes to Springsteen.
sweeper on April 16, 2008 at 2:26 PM
IMO, he’s the Willie Nelson of pop rock. Good writer, not so good singer.
Think_b4_speaking on April 16, 2008 at 2:28 PM
He has the depth [zero leadership, administrative, military/national-defense credentials notwithstanding], the reflectiveness [huh? does he mean "reflexiveness"?], and the resilience [spin control] to be our next President.
argos on April 16, 2008 at 2:28 PM
BS was and is pap. He was pushed out there by the MSM, as mentioned above, for his political beliefs as much as for his music. Rolling Stone loved him and panned Zep. Come on!I had to listen to him because my lady friends liked him. So glad he’s done.
dingbat on April 16, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Jesus, are you going to continue to push this elitist bullshit. You people never cease to amaze me.
Watchman on April 16, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Better song writers over the years? Lennon/McCartney, Jaagger/Richards, Pete Townshend, Ray Davies.
Hilts on April 16, 2008 at 2:47 PM
*Yawn*
eanax on April 16, 2008 at 2:48 PM
I can’t stand to hear Springsteen scream and call it singing. That his vocal chords haven’t already blown out is probably a miracle.
Sue on April 16, 2008 at 2:52 PM
All Barack Hussein Obama needs now is Jon Bon Jovi ..
That will most definitely cement it .
New Joycie Baby.
redrock on April 16, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Carol King, Neil Young, Robert Plant/Jimmy Page, Roger Waters, Boz Scaggs.
OhEssYouCowboys on April 16, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Who said give to the government? If you want more bang for your charitable dollars, you give directly. And frankly, even though I am an atheist, as an atty I have seen that the small faith base charities do the best work. Even accounting for taxes, he could cough up a lot more in donations instead of accumulating it. He’s just another multimillionaire who doesn’t practice what he preaches. Therefore, he needs to stfu.
Blake on April 16, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Has-been Bob Dylan wanna be, making millions strumming simple ditties.
I thought this guy was ancient when he put out “Born in the USA” when I was in college. His best stuff was all in the 70’s, before he got rich.
Who really cares who some washed up rock star endorses? Talk about elitist and out of touch, his servants have servants.
NoDonkey on April 16, 2008 at 3:02 PM
They can have Bruce Springsteen. We’ve got James Brown from the grave.
Good Gawd! Yeow!
gabriel sutherland on April 16, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Didn’t Elton say something, in his fundraiser for HRHigness,
that he was amazed that so many Americans were mysogynistic???
Does Elton know that mysogynistic means ‘doesn’t like women?’
/stolen from radio DJ
silverfox on April 16, 2008 at 3:14 PM
I think I might have to go to Poison concert just to cleanse myself of Springsteen’s dissonance.
CeCe’s hair > Springsteen’s hair
gabriel sutherland on April 16, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Listen to the guys lyrics. New Jersey, America and Americans are miserable but he is courageous and strong and will overcome the rest of us. The guy has never written a good word about anything but himself. He gets “great comfort” from the columns of paul krugman and maureen dowd. The guy is an idiot and a dirtbag.
peacenprosperity on April 16, 2008 at 3:31 PM
I don’t know his charitable donations. I doubt he publishes his tax returns as politicians do. In the quote above he wasn’t talking about charity but rather what he thinks government should do–probably in the way of regulating the marketplace. I think he is misguided to believe that people are going to be better off with more government programs or a Great Society Redux. A look at the influx of wealth to his Jersey Shore since the time of Born to Run would indicate that post-Reagan it is no longer a “suicide trap”. But, his muse is an idealization of the working class man and he has reason to add his voice to the democracy–blogs can choose to ignore it.
dedalus on April 16, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Down, Bruce, down!!!! Back down with you….down into the swamps of Jersey!
The LAST person in the world I would take advice on anything from is this follower of Noam Chomsky!
When summer’s here and the time is right for racing in the streets…I guess Bruce wants us to race with hybrids.
wildweasel on April 16, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Great timing there, Bruce – endorse Obama two months after New Jersey votes for Hillary!
I used to love Bruce with a passion, but he’s done. Like Kenny Rogers sang, you gotta know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. Too bad Bruce doesn’t.
rockmom on April 16, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Bruce Springsteen: 57 Channels and nothing’s on.
Mallard T. Drake on April 16, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I love his music, but sometimes Mr. Springsteen, I DO want to go it alone. Sometimes it`s the best way cause I know what my circumstances and needs are.
ThePrez on April 16, 2008 at 4:21 PM
“If you’re listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you’re a bigger moron than they are. Why are we rock stars? Because we’re morons. We sleep all day, we play music at night and very rarely do we sit around reading the Washington Journal.” – Alice Cooper
diogenes on April 16, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Indeed!
I couldn’t give a frog’s fat a_s who this nincompoop “Endorses”. I have alway hated this guy’s music and I think his music is overrated. I mean really, his voice is sub-tiny-tim and he is THE most overrated personality (I say personality because he’s ALL image) person in show business. The “Boss” my a__.
Claypigeon on April 16, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Lieber & Stoler, Neil Diamond, Donald Fagan… shall we contnue?
leftnomore on April 16, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Who is this Bruce Springsteen you speak of? Was he someone of any importance?
No?
Well then, who gives a __________ (insert expletive here)
john1schn on April 16, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Taking political or domestic advice from an entertainer makes about as much sense as going to Charles Manson for family counseling.
Baxter Greene on April 16, 2008 at 5:47 PM
I personally have never liked the “Boss” or his music. And I sure don’t need him to tell me how to vote.
UncleZeb on April 16, 2008 at 6:02 PM
as one of America’s greatest thinkers once said: “…nobody crowds you, and nobody goes it alone.”
gag
TheCulturalist on April 16, 2008 at 6:23 PM
I don’t care who entertainers endorse. I only protest when they pull a Jane Fonda type stunt.
Springsteen is quite the artist in my opinion. Puts on a heck of a concert and gives the crowd its money’s worth.
As for his recent music I’d suggest looking closely at the lyrics. The album “The Rising” caught the mood of the country like no other artist right after 9-11.
His recent album “Magic” is seen as an anti-war protest by some and it is obvious he doesn’t agree with the war. But once again if you take the time to read the lyrics he is more focused on the personal aspects – losing a friend killed in combat and the impact on family and friends, etc.
As for his working class background, he didn’t produce Darkness on the Edge of Town because he lived in the Hamptons while growing up.
Both albums went Platinum so someone is listening to him as far as his artistic abilities go….
Bradky on April 16, 2008 at 7:17 PM
When was the last time Springsteen said or did anything that surprised anyone?
WasatchMan on April 16, 2008 at 9:47 PM
I wonder if his “people” talked to Oprah’s “people” about how her endorsement for BHO is going. Didn’t think so.
I wasn’t totally surprized to hear about this. I had become bored with him long ago, then 2004 came and sealed the deal. Wish I could get my money back for concert tickets and cds. Then again, I’d have to kick the wife out too. She’s still a big fan.
HMMMMMMM!!!
JohnnyD on April 17, 2008 at 1:32 AM
Nothing I like better than to watch Sean Penn movies with the sound off and listen to Bruce, turned up loud, while I load my gun. Wait, sometimes, while praying, I watch “The View” and listen to the Dixie Chicks. No wait, have you ever seen a Robert Redford film while listening to Sheryl Crow…I save that for my special moments of bitterness.
2Tru2Tru on April 17, 2008 at 1:56 AM
Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwn! *Stretch* *Repositon* ZZZZZZZZ……..
CynicalOptimist on April 17, 2008 at 7:25 AM
Bruce should get it over with and marry Barbara Streisand and sing wonderful liberal lullabies to each other.
Travis1 on April 17, 2008 at 12:24 PM
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