Dave Matthews Endorses Obama
EmailABC News’ Sunlen Miller reports: Dave Matthews, from the Dave Matthews Band, endorses Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., which should help wth the youth (and Virginia) vote.
Here’s a letter on his Web site:
Dear Friends,
I hope this finds you well. A question, a reflection, and an endorsement. Why is our country divided?Why has this division been growing?
Can we not all agree that we are a country that supports its families, that protects its citizens and respects its neighbors? A country that educates its children? Are we not a country that can lead by example, rather than by force? Is ours a government of the people, by the people, for the people?
I would like to think so. But I believe that corporate greed and its involvement in policymaking, along with political cronyism, have made it nearly impossible for the people to govern.
So, we fight amongst ourselves over the spin of political slogans and half truths. And so, we are divided. It is time for a change, and that is why I support Barack Obama for President.
Respectfully,
Dave Matthews
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Jack Nicholson endorsed Hillary today. Where’s the story? bias anyone?
Posted by: so saddened | February 4, 2008, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
Oh, please, isn’t the answer obvious? No one cares about Jack Nicholson. Dave Matthews is COOL!
Posted by: Ann B. | February 4, 2008, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
These tired old claims of bias one way or the other are getting so old. ABCNews is not biased toward Obama, or Clinton, or anyone else. To constantly claim bias is small-minded.
Posted by: Dem in Chicago | February 4, 2008, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
not to get into a debate about the relative value of endorsers, since i think they’re all pretty much meaningless, but your statement that dave matthews is cool and nobody cares about jack nicholson reveals your age. and, believe it or not, not all voters are your age.
Posted by: so saddened | February 5, 2008, 12:12 am 12:12 am
As with ALL celebrity endorsements… SO WHAT!!!
Posted by: cba | February 5, 2008, 1:07 am 1:07 am
Yes celebrity endorsements, on the surface, don’t have much sway to voters. It is nice to read and hear what they have to say along with the endorsement. These are people well versed in communication through word and music. Forget the celebrity, listen to the message.
Posted by: BooMan | February 5, 2008, 1:15 am 1:15 am
Obviously, B.O. has several ties with the famous folks, probably several others would endorse if they were out of jail, rehab, or sober. Quit a crowd to hang with for want to be president, Bill Clinton didn’t inhale, anybody ask b.o, oh that’s right, can’t ask certain ? to certain ones…
Everybody freaks on the religion but they think we (the people) want who the celebs do? Yes, love my president to help the richest in this world because ya know I scratch yours…you scratch mine… leave the lower/middle class for left overs. Bias does not equate to small minded, just some can not swallow the truth, but the truth will prevail.
Posted by: callenfallen | February 5, 2008, 1:29 am 1:29 am
How dare Obama quote the bible verse “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Wasn’t it blind faith that got Bush Jr. elected twice through his strong, evangelical base. Why go with Blind faith when there’s experience and proven worth to choose, through Hillary.
Posted by: PC | February 5, 2008, 1:48 am 1:48 am
Experience as the President of the United States of America, doesn’t apply to any of the candidates, but at least Barack Obama said while in an interview with Meredith Viera on the Today Show in 2005, before he decided to run, that only two people have the experience as President of the US, and they are George Bush Sr., and Bill Clinton. He could have included Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, but the point was clare. Also, Obama, when asked if he has ever used drugs, he said, yes.
This is a stark to Senator Clintion, waffling around the “YES” vote for the Iraq War, even when Afghanastan, was our targeted place.
Now, onto the emotional element of this Presidential campaign. Emotions help you make decisions, but showing emotions, is a sign of weakest in this, and past Presidential campaigns, and I would like to see a less emotional commander in chief, “crying eyes Hillary”, stay at her current position, the U.S. Senator from New York, she is great at that!
To political strength, stop with the swaying of popular and wrong, and take some risks, and be morally and ethically, correct.
I like Hillary, but will be voting for Barack, instead.
Posted by: KWM | February 5, 2008, 4:00 am 4:00 am
The one that really counts, the one that was out front for civil rights, the one that actually marched with MLK endorsed Obama. And, she has never before endorsed a political campaign…Joan Baez. .
Posted by: Jan | February 5, 2008, 7:23 am 7:23 am
Jack is pretty cool, too. He just happens to be backing the wrong candidate, but he’s got coolness to spare, so this doesn’t diminish him too much.
Posted by: Paul | February 5, 2008, 8:47 am 8:47 am
Pardon me for being ignorant, but who’s Dave Mathhews? Or Joan Baez? Not that Nicholson’s or De Vito’s opinions make any difference, but at least we know these people’s nams and faces.
Posted by: Michael Gabrilovich | February 5, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am
Vote Republican. Can’t you tell that the liberal school teachers lied to you in school telling you the Democrats were for the working man. Just look at the facts who all the rich lawyers and rich actors are endorsing. All Democrats are lawyers.
Posted by: Ben Franklin | February 5, 2008, 9:43 am 9:43 am
It does not matter who endorses whom, we as a people should discuss the ideas that are brought up. Who will unify our country as Dave Matthews suggests and get us out of the “us vs. them” mentality. My opinion is that we have the potential to elect a visionary leader one of the best I have heard in my life time and I am in my mid fifties. That is my bais. It is time to discuss and work for the benefit of our country not just take sides.
Posted by: Daryl | February 5, 2008, 9:57 am 9:57 am
All I have to say is that no matter how bought people believe the government is or how they thinkg “corporate greed and its involvement in policymaking” are involved in gov’t. That fact of that matter is that businesses and lobbying firms can’t vote every two years, the people can. So until this country actually uses the democracy handed to them, then they have not position to complain about the current state of our democracy.
Posted by: Shawn | February 5, 2008, 10:20 am 10:20 am
First of all, Barack Obama was asked about his drug use and he said he did inhale when he experimented with marijuana in his college days because “that was the point”. It was. I did it in college too. Because you do dumb things don’t make you a bad person. I grew out of those things, got married, had kids, and make six figures. So what? Bush is a cocaine head and Bill Clinton did inhale (and have sexual relations with a whole lot of women). Also Callenfallen, Hillary is the one scratching rich special interests backs with known lobbyists actively involved in her campaign which is why she NEVER comments on special interests groups or lobbyists in debates. Obama publicly condemns both and has made the promise to do all he can to get Senate and House sessions broadcasted on c-span so we can see what happening and become more involved in the process. NO EXPERIENCED candidate has had that idea!Its genious and shows that he has nothing to hide. Bush used the bible to get votes. There is nothing Christian about a liar, a cheat, and killer all wrapped into one. The only Christian thing he did was not to let gay people get married- which is the only thing I agreed with (and I have gay realtives and friends before anyone attacks that). Endorsements should not decide who we vote for but they are from people we listen everyday. They are not just puppets and dolls to look at. Most of them are taking a political stand for the first tie in their careers because this is a crucial time in our history and country. They are cool and all but they (for the most part) are smart and influential. Sometimes you have to use your celebrity for causes and that is even cooler. They do not sway me though I am impressed. And, by the way, the Giants collectively forewent the traditional Disneyland trip for Suprebowl winners and instead attended Obama’s rally in the meadowlands yesterday in a “push for the underdog.” COOL! Obama/Edwards ’08
Posted by: Angela | February 5, 2008, 11:57 am 11:57 am
CallenFallen and PC have no idea what they are talking about. First of all, Barack Obama WAS asked about his drug use and he said he did inhale when he experimented with marijuana in his college days because “that was the point”. It was. I did it in college too. Because you do dumb things IN YOUR YOUTH don’t make you a bad person. I grew out of those things, got married, had kids, and make six figures. So what? Bush is a cocaine head NOW and Bill Clinton lying ass did inhale (and DID have sexual relations with a whole lot of women). Also Callenfallen, Hillary is the one scratching rich special interests backs with known lobbyists actively involved in her campaign which is why she NEVER comments on special interests groups or lobbyists in debates. Obama publicly condemns both and has made the promise to do all he can to get Senate and House sessions broadcasted on c-span so we can see what happening and become more involved in the process. NO EXPERIENCED candidate has had that idea!It’s genious and shows that he has nothing to hide. Bush used the bible to get votes and then stole the rest. There is nothing Christian about a thief, a liar, a cheat, and killer all wrapped into one. The only Christian thing he did was not to let gay people get married- which is the only thing I agreed with (and I have gay relatives and friends before anyone attacks that). Endorsements should not decide who we vote for but they are from people we listen to everyday. They are not just puppets and dolls to look at. Most of them are taking a political stand for the first time in their careers because this is a crucial time in our history and country. They are cool and all but they (for the most part) are smart and influential. Sometimes you have to use your celebrity for causes and that is even cooler. They do not sway me though I am impressed. And, by the way, the Giants collectively forewent the traditional Disneyland trip for SuperBowl winners and instead attended Obama’s rally in the meadowlands yesterday in a “push for the underdog.” COOL! Obama/Edwards ’08
Posted by: Angela | February 5, 2008, 12:03 pm 12:03 pm
dave matthews is a terrible human being and an even worse musician.
Posted by: hz | February 5, 2008, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
I want to see more videos with Scarlett Johansson …
endorsing Obama
Posted by: eskimo | February 5, 2008, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
Rebuttle to Angela, at least I speak my ideas not disrespect others. I, also, watch C-span now and do you realize that being free isn’t braodcasting to the rest of the world what our country is deliberating behind close doors. It is called NATIONAL security. Re: ob’s drug usage, there are candidates who did not do any drugs, even young and dumb, from having a genuine (the way intended) US up bringing and living a true christian life. The ways we need to get back to living, not let it be a free for all. Also, why was Bill Clinton’s a negative, published issure and not ob, I’ll tell ya b/c Hillary isn’t dirty talking her oppontent. And here is my point, you automatically assumed I am a Clinton supporter, now as you would say the coolest thing is I understand Mike Huckabee will restore what this country is intended to be. ob needs to prove himself and try again when this country is more secure with with his grassroots, too UNSECURE for this country, at this time. I have gay relatives and friends, also, I support the Bible on this issue not others perferred life style. GO HUCKABEE!
Posted by: callenfallen | February 5, 2008, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
Obama seems to be benefiting greatly from the various celebs that re endorsing him particularly Oprah. I’d like to think these things don’t affect my opinions, but I must admit that when I hear that people I admire are endorsing someone, I’m curious about exactly why. I’m sure he’s thrilled that people are lining up to tout him.
Posted by: fifilaroach | February 5, 2008, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
Hey all,
I agree with callenfallen: Whether or not a celebrity endorsement changes your vote, if you admire the celebrity and their beliefs, then their endorsment will, without a doubt, get you thinking critically as to “why” they endorse who they do. And regardless who the endorsment is for, these type of things ussually aim to get the uninterested people involved and thinking critically (Which thereafter, means they are more likely to go out and vote!)
Posted by: Paul | February 5, 2008, 6:02 pm 6:02 pm
I’m a 47 year old black women from Michigan. It’s as simple as this:IT’S BEEN ALONG TIME COMING—BUT A CHANGE IS GONNA COME!!! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008…change is here people..DO NOT ALLOW IT TO SLIP AWAY… vct
Posted by: vikki c thompson | February 6, 2008, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
If you can’t see through this endorsement, then you are really, really dumb. Chris matthews would LOVE to be able to skewer Oabama once he is president. He’s tried it for YEARS with the Clintons and needs some fresh meat. And since when is it news when some hack pundit endorses anybody? C’mon.
Posted by: druggstohr | February 6, 2008, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
Dave Matthews, Not Chris Matthews.
Posted by: zb | February 17, 2008, 5:49 pm 5:49 pm
BO is a Marxist. He preaches from the communist manifesto. Read it. In his letter he talks about corporate greed, what about top grossing band in 2000 greed. Make no mistake about it they are capitalists. You don’t see them lowering ticket prices so the less forunate can attend their concerts. It’s $250 up front and $50 in the back of the house when DMB plays. Socialism is great, and you know who it great for the people who don’t have to live under it.
Posted by: Peter | June 9, 2008, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
no one cares what celebs think! we pay to go watch them act like people they are not and we pay to go see them sing our favorite songs not give us advice about who we should vote for or what political veiews they have.Dave Matthews is one of my favorite song writers his work is beautiful but dave speaking out about cleaning the enviornment and living a better life and loving one another is different than telling us who to vote for and i completly understand you are only saying who you feel in your heart you are going to vote for ,but through your skill you have gained riches and some of the things you are preaching no longer apply to you while the rest of us have to in your words “Live under the table dreaming.” So it isnt fair for celebs to tell us their veiws becuse 1. most of the time we didnt ask and 2. the do not live under the very social issues thay are speaking out aginst, they live over it.
Posted by: darell | July 1, 2008, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
dave, i love your music and you seem like a pretty good guy. but i would never listen to you in a political debate.
Posted by: joe | August 27, 2008, 3:02 am 3:02 am
Dave M: i luv that you’re against corporate greed, yet you’re filthy rich… since you feel so strongly, just donate your money to uncle sam…
Posted by: Dj Jazzt | August 28, 2008, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
Looks like Dave Matthews might be a little more in tune to the coming storm than his detractors realized.
I would trust his Quaker based logic over the current group of evangelical nuts and greedy corporate hogs that have polluted our nation and who try to divide and conquer us at every turn.
How Ironic is that an American of the Quaker Faith (The religion of our forefathers)is asking us to stay American.
Dave is a Great Song Writer and his words inspire me to return to the traditional values that made us strong.
I WILL ALWAYS PUT THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY FIRST I JUST WISH THEY WOULD OPEN UP THERE MINDS AND QUIT FIGHTING AGAINST OUR SURVIVAL.
Posted by: Great American | October 9, 2008, 12:24 am 12:24 am
Dave is the man. Go OBAMA!!!!
Posted by: Xavier | November 4, 2008, 1:26 pm 1:26 pm