Politics Rising-War Talk Gives Grammy Awards Extra Edge (LIVE 6PMEST)

LA Times ^ | February 23, 2003 | Bob Hiburn

[ewing]

The drama tonight will not be limited to the opening of the envelopes not at a moment when everyone is talking about Iraq.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are the runaway favorites to win album of the year for 'The Rising,' a heartfelt reaction on the nations psyche weeks after September 11.

That victory alone would make for memorable viewing -especially since the ceremony is returning to New York after five years in Los Angeles-will be held at Madison Square Garden, a short cab ride from the World Trade Center towers that were destoryed in the Sept. 11, 2001 attack.

Beyond the emotion of that indelible context, there will be real tension if Springsteen wins, as he steps to the podium and we wait to see whether he will accept the statuette or share his thoughts about the approaching war.

The guess here is that Bruce will comment on the nation's state partly to make sure that 'The Rising' is not seen as merely a flag waving exercise.

[ewing]

Celebrity fashion protests/arrivals begin on the E! Network from Madison Square Garden at 6PM ET/3PM Pacific and C-BS takes over on the network from there

[troublesome creek]

i think i have something more important to do during that time. my toenails need clipping.

[Diddle E. Squat]

This is breaking news?

[ewing]

I might watch some of the arrivals to see how bad this is going to get.

Mike Farrell of M*A*S*H was wearing duct tape on Face the Nation this morning..

[ewing]

I think this thing is going to be a zoo tonight after CBS Execs indicated to Drudge that they were going to cut the mikes on war protesters who win awards

[rpage3]

I'm willing to wager that the song "WAR...what is it good for? Absolutely nothing..." will be done at the Grammys by some turd, most likely, Bruce Springsteen...

[troublesome creek]

and i used to really enjoy those MASH reruns, too. difficult to watch now with Farrell and Ms. Alda.

[JoJo Gunn]

As for myself, I need to swap around the light bulbs in the house. Put the downstairs ones upstairs, etc.

[ewing]

usual suspects ping

[ewing]

I will turn it off if it gets that bad...

[troublesome creek]

hey, i know what you mean! gosh, i hate to miss such an important cultural event, but you know how it is - first things first!

[ewing]

ping

[Brad’s Gramma]

??????????????????????????????????????

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

I will start the Live Thread around 7:30. The show starts at 8. This should be fun.

[Miss Marple]

I am not watching, but will check in later to see how things are going. I am not hopeful.

[ewing]

Thanks, this can be the Joan and Melissa Rivers duct tape reaction thread..

[WarSlut]

To my knoweldge, Bruce hasn't made an anti-war peep as of yet. Not long ago Drudge had a blurb about Springsteen complimenting the President on the war, saying he was doing a great job. As far as I know, he hasn't changed his opinion.

[WarSlut]

I'll be here, listening to Drudge, not watching a second of it.

[ewing]

This should be interesting tonight, Bono is definitely in the hippie camp and Bruce could be pro-war..

[ewing]

ping