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Boss Backing Obama
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ShareApril 16, 2008 10:56 AM
ABC News' Sunlen Miller and Nitya Venkataraman Report: Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen is throwing his support behind the presidential bid of Sen. Barack Obama, calling the Illinois Democrat "head and shoulders above the rest".
In a letter to fans on his website, the Boss said Obama "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 iconic musician continued in his letter, quoting from his 2007 song "Long Road Home".
Known for powerful lyrics that detail the struggles of the working class in small town America, Springsteen's endorsement comes at a time when Obama is fighting accusations of elitism and being out of touch with small town voters.
Recent Obama "comments and relationships" the Boss says in his letter to fans "have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision...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."
Only time will tell if Springsteen hits "The Rising" and "The Promised Land" will still be staple songs at former president Bill Clinton's campaign rallies for his wife. Following her wins in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island on March 4, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. celebrated with Springsteen song "Land of Hope and Dreams" overhead in the ballroom.
During the 1984 presidential election, the liberal rocker objected to Republican incumbent President Ronald Reagan using one of his best-known hits "Born in the U.S.A.", a song that gave voice to the struggles of Vietnam War veterans.
During the 2004 election, Springsteen performed in MoveOn.org's Vote for Change tour campaiging with a coaltion of musicians against the reelection of President George Bush.
ABC News Sarah Amos contributed to this report
April 16, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (168)
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yawn!
Posted by: J | Apr 16, 2008 11:16:07 AM
Another billionaire for Obama.
The so-called boss was for Kerry and the other mega-liberals too.
The AFL-CIO endorsed Clinton.
Posted by: geevill | Apr 16, 2008 11:18:15 AM
GO BRUCE!!
OBAMA 08
Posted by: Sam | Apr 16, 2008 11:19:34 AM
Doug, Just curious....who do you have in your music collection?
Posted by: indy_voter | Apr 16, 2008 11:23:17 AM
Well come on board Bruce. We love you!And thanks for sorting out your mind!
Posted by: Peace | Apr 16, 2008 11:23:42 AM
This mans endorsement is actually exciting. I am not saying that people will run out and vote Obama now, but some of those men in a certain age groups who will always be a fan..(I also) will stop and notice, and think twice. The Boss pays close attention and feels deeply about policies and politics... He would not back just anyone, and he is down to earth with the rest of us when it comes to them. So yes, he has one up on HIllary.....
Posted by: Becky | Apr 16, 2008 11:30:44 AM
Didn't the so called "Boss" endorse John Kerry too? Just curious!!!!!
Posted by: Someone | Apr 16, 2008 11:31:07 AM
Not all unions have endorsed Clinton
Posted by: ll | Apr 16, 2008 11:32:56 AM
Another misogynist bellies up behind Obama. The dream is dying.
Posted by: Sad&DisillusionedRocker | Apr 16, 2008 11:38:08 AM
JamesC
I think you have pathological problems. really, go see a psychiatrist.
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 16, 2008 11:42:26 AM
Kevin,
Have you been smoking? Obama has taken absolutely NO lead... and that would soon be confirmed..
Posted by: DMK | Apr 16, 2008 11:42:54 AM
Bono, Sarandon, Penn, someones "Boss" NOT mine, and a whole host of other ultra liberal loonies! No surprise there .. have any real news??
Posted by: Bruce | Apr 16, 2008 11:44:08 AM
DMK
Are you now telling us that PPD polls isn't a reputable poll? PPD says Obama has taken a 3 point lead. Read it for yourself. You are capable of reading, right?
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 16, 2008 11:45:09 AM
DMK
Are you still here, or busy dissecting the poll?
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 16, 2008 11:48:07 AM
That's a shocker .. keeping OR expanding his advantage with black voters?? Really? Wow!! Like the President of BET said .. "it's comical that 94% of black voters support a man they know nothing about"! Ha ha.
PS
He's a black man ..
Posted by: Bruce | Apr 16, 2008 11:49:37 AM
I said what I wanted to say.. I don't care about ANY polls in general... So let's wait till April 22. Hillary's gonna win! And then you can take your poll and...
Posted by: DMK | Apr 16, 2008 11:50:10 AM
Yay, Bruce!
Go Obama!!!
Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!
Posted by: Jackt51 -- Vietnam Vet and Proud Liberal | Apr 16, 2008 11:51:36 AM
Ok, so if we've ever listened to a Springsteen recording we are supposed to vote Obama? I could not believe the childish way Obama was acting the other day with the Annie Oakley speech and all the giggling and laughing because Hillary took a drink. I don't care what he thinks of Hillary. He is supposed to act in a dignified manner. Could you see him acting that way in an audience with the Queen of England, or the Pope? I guess the disrepect he shows the other candidates and his elders is supposed to endear him to the young "highly educated" people who support him. As for Springsteen, it's a good thing he typed his endorsement instead of singing it, otherwise no one would have been able to understand what he was saying.
Posted by: Melanie | Apr 16, 2008 11:53:26 AM
Who cares about Bruce anymore??! He's so washed out! lol So I couldn't care less about his endorsement... And why is this a story I don't know...
Posted by: DMK | Apr 16, 2008 11:53:36 AM
DMK
Good point. I don't think Obama will win Pennsylvania. But i think the way Clinton played this "bitter" card has made the state tighter than it should be. She would have been best-served to let the press and republicans pound the issue for her. Now she looks desperate, negative, silly, and quite frankly, it feeds into the image that the Clintons are in this thing for the Clintons and will do ANYTHING to win. Not to mention they just pooped on white liberal elites like me. Now there are reports that her so-called "ordinary Pennsylvanians" in her ad are not all from Pennsylvania. What embarassment.
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 16, 2008 11:56:19 AM
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