FR EXCLUSIVE: Springsteen Called For Impeachment of President Bush at DC Concert

Kristinn | September 13, 2003 | Krsitinn via Angelwood

[Angelwood]

Rock star Bruce Springsteen called for the impeachment of President George W. Bush at a nearly sold-out concert at FedEx Field just outside of Washington, DC tonight. During the introductions of his back-up band, The E Street Band, Springsteen said of saxophonist Clarence Clemons, "It's time to impeach the president and get a man in there to get us out of this mess." The audience cheered in response.

At a recent concert at Fenway Park in Boston, Springsteen touted liberal comedian Al Franken's new book and encouraged people to read it. In the Spring, Springsteen issued a statement defending the Dixie Chicks after they told a foreign audience that they were "ashamed that the President of the United States was from Texas."

At least Springsteen chose to make his statement about impeaching President Bush in the nation's capital. However, his timing just two days after the nation marked the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks is sure to make his remarks even more controversial than otherwise, especially because the nation's capital was a target.

Springsteen was silent during the eight years of Bill Clinton's presidency: A time when children were gassed and burned to death at Waco; our national security was betrayed to the communist Chinese government in exchange for millions of dollars for Clinton's campaign coffers; and when Clinton lied under oath and obstructed justice in a civil rights lawsuit filed by one of the "little people" that Springsteen champions.

Springsteen's current album and tour are based on the September 11 attacks and he has several songs about the bravery of those who gave their lives responding to those attacks. Springsteen's tour is scheduled to end at the beginning of October with three dates at New York City's Shea Stadium.

[ABN]

He was in the front center of the stage, walking toward stage right, when he was shouting Impeach, Impeach...

Bottom Line: Our recollections on the impeach chant disagree, and we need someone else to testify.

Do you recall his quip about Dick Cheney (during the PSA)?

[stratman1969]

Thumbs down to Bruce from another musician. I've never liked the jerk and the hype that surrounds him (though I did like the song "Hungry Heart"). Now, I hate the guy. If you read the lyrics to "Born in the USA" (cause you can't understand them over his constiped screaming) it's pure 1960's anti-Americanism. And this scumbag today is making money off his exploitation of 9/11, The Rising.

[Coleus]

We should freep him the next time he's in Asbury Park at the Stone Pony. >>>

Sounds like a good idea to me.

[ace2u_in_dc]

I will agree to differing perceptions. I did not take away with me the impression that I heard him call to impeach Bush. The impression I came away with was to make sure our representatives are telling us the whole story. And I will agree that is directed at the current administration, as well as those critical of it.

I agree that he was poking fun at Cheney.

[ABN]

No need to be rude.

If those are the jokes that he chooses to make, he must be accountable for them. We were attacked. We are at war. There are serious ramifications to not taking it seriously (i.e. - you might end up "misleading" some people).

[Rocko]

More reactions to this "impeach" comment....

[Conservative til I die]

"The Rising" has one central theme. HOPE!

As in, "I hope I can make lots of money off the backs of the 3,000 dead!!!!"

[rs79bm]

He'll be sorry he said that....my god what a dumb thing to say....he MUST know that this will only hurt his sales. It is not a very smart thing to say. But what more could you expect from a stupid rock and roll musician who has probably never worked a day in his life (referring to Springsteen).

[Coleus]

God, you people are morons, aren't you? >>>

Funny, I don't recall Bruce making any tongue in Cheek comments made against Clinton?

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Agreed. He sucks. He's an absolutely mediocre singer, and there's nothing particularly cool about his tunes for the most part. I never liked him, but I never hated him either...until now.

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

Springsteen is A HAS BEEN!Who cares what that drunken,dope headed moron has to say,he is a NOBODY.

[ace2u_in_dc]

"Funny, I don't recall Bruce making any tongue in Cheek comments made against Clinton?"

Well, there is always the "Leweskeyed" (SP?) comments during "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" during the reunion tour in 99 / 00...

[ace2u_in_dc]

Well, have you even listened to the album once?

If no, then how can you make that judgement?

[ace2u_in_dc]

Oh, a few other tidbits...

In Canada, Bruce mentioned that Clarance would be the next PM...

And, in California, he said that CC would be the next Gov...

And I bet he said the same thing over in Europe and down in Oz...

[dixie sass]

giggle

[Afronaut]

These people are pure mob rule. They have no clue. Forgive them. I wonder what or who they listen to?

I don't like jazz but I know it is good. To say Springsteen is a "No Talent" is pure ignorance,; you might not like him but he is one of the best Singer Songwriters, Entertainers in the history of Rock and Roll.

I have met Springsteen 3 times and each time he was humble and polite. Not like this crowd. I don't care for some of these people in this thread the attack with no facts out of pure ignorance and pure emotion.

I'm glad you were there Last night, Ace. Even though I have not seen Springsteen in over 10 years , I know his act and I knew what he was doing after reading this attack piece.

[Afronaut]

"has probably never worked a day in his life (referring to Springsteen)."

If you had the talent to do ONE show like Springsteen does you would drop dead.This guy invented hard work as an entertainer. Why say things that are not true? Is that anyway to be? Attack Statements based on your imagination?

[Fighting Irish]

http://discussions.brucespringsteen.net/forum.jsp?forum=61