Political Snapshot

Bruce for Barack: Ohhhh Hes the One

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(Via New York Times Blog.)

Does this mean Hillary Rodham Clinton has to stop playing “The Rising” at her campaign rallies?

Bruce Springsteen threw his support to Barack Obama in a letter to fans on his Web site this morning, calling Mr. Obama “head and shoulders above the rest.”

“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,” Mr. Springsteen wrote.

He also defended Mr. Obama in the flap over his remarks on small-town attitudes. “At the moment, critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships,” he said. “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.”

Mr. Springsteen supported John Kerry in 2004 and performed in a series of concerts sponsored by Moveon.org with R.E.M., Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp and Bonnie Raitt. The tour reached 11 states and 33 cities.

Before dropping out of the race in January, the John Edwards campaign made the Springsteen song “The Rising” a de facto campaign theme song. Then the Clinton campaign picked it up, and now frequently plays it at the end of her rallies.

Update | 12:20 p.m. Senator Obama issued a statement on the endorsement: “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. It’s a story I know and a vision I share for our future, and that’s why I’m so honored to have his support in this journey.”