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Bruce Springsteen Endorses Barack Obama for President

4/16/08, 12:10 pm EST

With the all-important Pennsylvania democratic primaries six days away, Bruce Springsteen has thrown his endorsement into the ring, backing presidential hopeful Barack Obama. In a signed message on his official website, Springsteen said “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.” The complete text is after the jump. Springsteen last supported John Kerry during that candidate’s failed Presidential drive. In this year’s primaries, Springsteen’s native New Jersey chose Hillary Clinton, while Nebraska sided with Bruce’s pick.

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.

Bruce Springsteen

[Photo: Getty]


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Comments

flan-milford conn | 10/1/2008, 7:23 am EST

i would venture to guess most celebs especially singer-songwriters today have never even voted, good for bruce for speaking out..plenty of country/western folks came out for our current president and the only ones that were crucified were the Dixie Chicks…must be conservative media bias..most of our problems were sung about in the sixties, who knows if they were heard in washington. but it’s worth a shot.nothing wrong with being outspoken (no matter what your occupation) We all must admit James Watt (Nixon Administration)canceling the Beach Boys on the National Mall because they were “un-American” is still funny stuff!!! if you want to respond to me personally my e-mail is mikeflan56@yahoo.com..God Bless,huh(I survived catholic school)

disheartened again | 9/28/2008, 2:18 am EST

you people are frightening.
if this weren’t all so scary, it would just be so sad.

Hillary '08 | 5/28/2008, 10:16 pm EST

I cannot believe that “The Boss” is supporting Obama. He really needs to read up on the senator Obama’s past. The man has certainly stolen votes from other civil rights leaders ,such as long time activist Miss Palmer. Common Bruce what happened to a fair fight.

Allwaypm | 4/30/2008, 3:00 pm EST

It’s funny how most who have a strong opinion against Springsteen voicing his opinion usually never take the time to do their own research on the matter. I have been following Bruce for 30 years and have always appreciated the passion and commitment he’s always brought to his music and life and in helping others. He has a right to talk about this country as much as anyone else. He has made an impressive career of singing about not only the country we are but more importantly, the country we can be. If you will take the time to scrutinize others, take as much time to look at yourself.
Best to everyone.

Laura, Copenhagen | 4/20/2008, 4:27 am EST

That a few republicans get upset I can understand. I can even understand that people who think all Bruce has ever done is to “write a few good songs” can misunderstand the power of this message.
What I can’t understand is why democrats are so hell bend on fighting democrats. I don’t know if I’d vote for Clinton or Obama if I had the possibility. But I do know that we (the world) needs a democrat president in the US and I worry terribly that that won’t happen.
So please “Hillary ‘08″ - present the arguments as for why people should vote for Hillary in ‘08 - and stop arguing AGAINST Obama. It’s like wetting your pants to stay warm - it might seem to help for a moment but you risk freezing your a** off in the long run.

Wake Up America | 4/19/2008, 12:25 am EST

If we as Americans believe that either one of these people (Hillary/Obama) can bring back our jobs and buy us insurance we are living in a dream world. The only way this country is going to get back on track is if we take back our Government. We need to start at the County & State level and start removing Gov’t officals that do not care about our freedom and rights as Americans. These people are only interested in control over our lives ; schools, taxes and bigger government. I was so called educated by this gov’t and I pay taxes to this machine,that does nothing except want more. And these two politians are telling us that they are going to go up on taxes (rich, big business) and we think that its not going to effect us (poor & middle class). You are sadly mistaken! I won’t be fooled again, and I hope you will join me in sending these messages to Washington. I use to like Bruce Springsteen, and I am shocked that he would support a rockie like Obama.

Wake Up America | 4/19/2008, 12:19 am EST

If we as Americans believe that either one of these people (Hillary/Obama) can bring back our jobs and buy us insurance we are living in a dream world. The only way this country is going to get back on track is if we take back our Government. We need to start at the County & State level and start removing Gov’t officals that do not care about our freedom and rights as Americans. These people are only interested in control over our lives ; schools, taxes and bigger government. I was so called educated by this gov’t and I pay taxes to this machine,that does nothing except want more. And these two politians are telling us that they are going to go up on taxes (rich, big business) and we think that its not going to effect us (poor & middle class). You are sadly mistaken! I won’t be fooled again, and I hope you will join me in sending these messages to Washington.

Elton John | 4/18/2008, 7:49 am EST

“I never fail to be amazed by the masogynistic attidudes of Americans”

Amen.

Tommy T. | 4/17/2008, 1:31 pm EST

as long as ’she’ never sleeps in the Presidential bedroom ever again we’ll be on the road to recovery..

Jeff C. | 4/17/2008, 11:50 am EST

Kay C - thanks for reminding me how many d-bags live in my state…

PS - If you want to rip on someone as “not intelligent,” you might want to use the correct spelling of “you’re” next time.

Enjoy your next Bon Jovi concert.

Love,
Jeff

Dr. Flanders | 4/17/2008, 11:10 am EST

Haha, i wouldnt have thought there would be so many McCainites on this site. Thats depressing, if we have the right to share our views, bruce springsteen certainly does too.

muzakman | 4/17/2008, 8:58 am EST

Does Bruce really think we want to hear his politcal views? Does he want to influence the masses?
Does he realize most of his fans are middle aged Yuppies who will be voting for McCain?
As the Beatles sang “Think for Yourself”…

Sammy | 4/17/2008, 8:39 am EST

I’ve been saying this for a year now, before all of these celebrity endorsements, and I’ll say it again… FORGET THE OTHER MAN… VOTE FOR THE BROTHA MAN!

The Intl | 4/17/2008, 2:07 am EST

wow. big surprise.

matt | 4/17/2008, 1:05 am EST

It’s always funny how people get upset when musicians support presidential candidates. The truth is, Mr. Springsteen’s music will carry on for generations to come. His voice is relevant in both his music and activism.

Cendor | 4/17/2008, 12:19 am EST

So just because he’s a famous musician he should be barred from endorsing a candidate? In spite of all the great freedoms we are losing in the USA, one of the wonderful things about this country is that we the people, famous or unfamous (or infamous), can express whatever the heck we want. (Although with another 8 mos. of Bush, who knows?..) There are plenty of famous folks on both sides who have the right to endorse whomever they please. Yeah, they’re famous so their opinion gets more attention - that’s just the way it is - to quote another famous Bruce. Doesn’t make their opinions better or worse. Just vote your conscience and be done with it.

led-head | 4/16/2008, 8:25 pm EST

God, I would love to see Ozzy’s speach though….

Good for Springsteen. Don’t particularly care but he has a right to say what he wants.

Bukowski | 4/16/2008, 4:43 pm EST

re: Hmmmm… | 4/16/2008, 3:18 pm EST

“Bruce supported Bill Clinton. Twice. So–nice try, Jason. But, while you’re ranting about irrelevant opinions, consider your own.”

You should take your own advice.

C'mon now! | 4/16/2008, 4:09 pm EST

Ozzy can’t vote–he’s British. Though I have to admit, it would probably be funnier.

JPL | 4/16/2008, 4:08 pm EST

Bruce has only ever endorsed one candidate Jason, who actually got the most votes. Even musicians have First Amendment rights. Sorry he’s not for your candidate.

Save our Souls | 4/16/2008, 3:45 pm EST

Who cares who he is gonna vote for. He has one vote just like everybody else. he could just say he is voting for obama….instead of giving us his speach written by someone else. Voice of the people…id rather hear who Ozzy wants instead of this dipshit.

Hmmmm... | 4/16/2008, 3:18 pm EST

Bruce supported Bill Clinton. Twice. So–nice try, Jason. But, while you’re ranting about irrelevant opinions, consider your own. At least Bruce has written a “FEW good songs.”

Chris | 4/16/2008, 3:12 pm EST

So, Jason, because you seem to disagree with him that means he’s not allowed to state his opinion on his own website? That’s all he’s doing here, and he has a right to his opinion just like everyone else. He isn’t commanding anyone or ordering anyone to agree with him, he’s simply stating his beliefs. You know, like every American in this country has the right to do. His opinion means just as much as yours, which means just as much as the next person’s.

Jason Fontaine | 4/16/2008, 2:28 pm EST

Obama will lose FOR SURE now. The BOSS has proven - EVERYONE he’s ever endorsed has LOST.

When will this idiot learn? Music doesn’t make you IMPORTANT? You play guitar - write a FEW good, powerful songs. Guess what? Life continues….and you’re opinion MEANS NOTHING….

Intelligence the size of a pea
Influence me?
Don’t think so - just sing the song you sing
Your opinion - sorry - doesn’t mean a thing
Just blowin’ in the wind…

Hillary '08 | 4/16/2008, 2:26 pm EST

ah ah ah. censorship, kids. that’s not right.

Hillary '08 | 4/16/2008, 2:25 pm EST

Yes we can, huh?

Who’s the we, Reverand Wright, Louis Farrahkhan, and Tony Rezco?

Phil | 4/16/2008, 2:18 pm EST

Now all we need is Paula Abdul to endorse McCain and Obama is in!

Chunky | 4/16/2008, 2:03 pm EST

If Springsteen is voting for Obama, then hell, me too. I was going to vote for Hillary, but now I’m changing to Obama because Springstreen has spoken! And what Springsteen says, goes! He is the voice of the people. And Obama speaks through his music dammit! All hail Springsteen - yes, I will obey you Mr. Springsteen and vote for Obama for President in ‘08! Yes master!

OBAMA '08 | 4/16/2008, 1:13 pm EST

Bruce is on board!

YES WE CAN!

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