Billy Ray Cyrus Dispels Anti-Bush Rumor
(LAUNCH, 02/06/2001 4:00 PM)
By Craig Rosen
(2/6/01, 4 p.m. ET) -- Word spread on the Internet last week that staunch Democrat Billy Ray Cyrus asked the Republican party to stop using his working-man's anthem "We The People" as the official theme song for the George W. Bush presidential campaign.
According to Cyrus himself, that couldn't be further from the truth. "I was proud to have my song used during the campaign," said Cyrus from the set of his new TV series, Doc, in Toronto. "I am very proud of our new president, and I hope he uses the song again for the next election. It's time for our country to unite as one, which is what's always made us a great nation. We need to put the election behind us and look to the future."
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Do you have any link on Hagar letting Bush use his song?
Sammy Hagar Examines Presidential Candidates
(LAUNCH, 11/06/2000 5:00 PM)
By Craig Rosen
(11/6/00, 5 p.m. ET) - Sammy Hagar has a new record out and a tour that kicks off in Cave Creek, Arizona, on Saturday (November 11), but he's got other things on his mind these days. Like most Americans, he's been keeping his eye on the presidential race, and he shared his outlook with LAUNCH.
"My thoughts are that they should, like, not have an election this year," he laughed. "They should find a couple of new guys. I really don't care for either one of these guys. I'm not sure that Nader would make a great president, but he would be a more honest politician."
Hagar went on to talk about the man he feels was the last honest politician to become president. "Jimmy Carter, who, in my opinion, was one of the most honest presidents around--I didn't vote for him, but after seeing the term, and seeing what he's done with his life since then--this man really does do public service," he said. "He's a great human being--but he was a lousy president."
Hagar thinks Texas Governor George W. Bush is lacking in some of the essential qualities needed to be president. "It's really tough to run this country. I think you've got to be charismatic, have a lot of pull," he said. "Like a Lyndon Johnson. If it wouldn't have been for those times, he probably would've made a great president, because he was so smart and he had so much power within the political system. I don't think Bush has that."
Hagar was even more vocal about what he sees as the shortcomings of Vice President Al Gore. "Gore certainly doesn't have the charisma and the power. I mean, if he walked in a room, 'Here's what we're gonna do. . .' I'd just look at him, you know what I mean? I mean, he's not intimidating. He's not a strong character. He's got good morals, he's for good policies, I think."
Finally, Hagar told LAUNCH who his ideal candidate would be. "It's a tough one, man. Right now, I'd vote for Bruce Springsteen over those guys."
-- Darren Davis and Bruce Simon, New York