Monday, 29 March 2010

Political Notes From 'The Boss'

When Bruce Springsteen became a political "Boss" he could not have imagined that the lyrics from one of his most famous songs would be cited by one American president and used to lampoon critics of another.

Our media watchdogs require close watching. It's been an article of faith for Nation editors and readers since the founding of the magazine. I'm excited to join this tradition, and take it to new terrain at Media Fix, The Nation's first blog devoted to highlighting the best and worst of current media.

But backing Barack Obama in 2008 took him to the next level — picking a candidate way back in a primary race. Springsteen, of course, is a very rich man now, but he retains credibility with the "working-class" kids and adults that Obama was trying so hard to reach.Springsteen sang for Obama in the final key days of the fall campaign, drawing massive crowds (aimed at voter registration). He declared in conclusion in Philadelphia: "So now is the time to stand with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, roll up our sleeves, and come on up for the rising." Even Fox broke away from its Bill Ayers obsession to cover him.