Springsteen Backs Obama, Defends Candidate's Remarks
By Jeff Bliss
April 16 (Bloomberg) -- Bruce Springsteen, whose songs about working-class angst have fueled a career spanning four decades, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president in a letter to fans posted on his Web site.
``After the damage done over the past eight years, a great American reclamation project needs to be undertaken,'' he wrote. ``Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead that project.''
Springsteen, whose songs include ``Born to Run,'' ``Factory'' and ``Born in the USA,'' said that opponents had taken some of Obama's comments out of context. Senator Hillary Clinton of New York, Obama's rival for the Democratic nomination, said that the Illinois senator's comments about some voters becoming ``bitter'' because of their economic status showed he was out of touch.
``Critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships,'' Springsteen wrote.
The musician's endorsement comes before the Pennsylvania primary on April 22.
In an e-mailed statement, Obama said he was ``honored'' to have Springsteen's support.
`Big Dreams'
``The America that Bruce Springsteen has spoken about through song is one of big dreams, unyielding hope, and a resilient, hardworking people who struggle and sacrifice for a country as good as its promise,'' Obama said. ``It's a story I know.''
Springsteen, 58, who is from New Jersey, was a prominent supporter of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004, playing concerts in swing states such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as part of the get-out-the-vote efforts.
Kerry won those two states in his loss to President George W. Bush in the general election.
The Clinton campaign responded today by releasing its own endorsement, from Latin Grammy winner Willie Colon.
``Hillary has been on the side of our families for over 35 years,'' he said in a statement released by the campaign.
Clinton, Obama and presumptive Republican presidential candidate John McCain, an Arizona senator, have touted their celebrity endorsements.
A day after Obama's campaign said talk show host Oprah Winfrey would campaign for him, Barbra Streisand announced she was backing Clinton.
Elton John played an April 10th concert in New York that raised $2.5 million for Clinton, according to the Associated Press. Clinton also has picked up endorsements from Cher, Jack Nicholson and songwriter Carole King.
Obama also has been endorsed by George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and Warren Buffett.
McCain has gotten support from actors Sylvester Stallone and Wilford Brimley. |
