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.

[Afronaut]

People come to my shows with many different kinds of political beliefs; I like that, we welcome all. There have been a lot of questions raised recently about the forthrightness of our government. This playing with the truth has been a part of both the Republican and Democratic administrations in the past and it is always wrong, never more so than when real lives are at stake. The question of whether we were mislead into the war in Iraq isn't a liberal or conservative or Republican or Democratic question, it's an American one. Protecting the democracy that we ask our sons and daughters to die for is our responsibility and our trust. Demanding accountability from our leaders is our job as citizens. It's the American way. So may the truth will out."

-- Bruce Springsteen, Giants Stadium, July 15, 2003

[Dems_R_Losers]

*sigh*

I have just about given up trying to defend Bruce on this site. I'm surprised Kristinn even went to see him. It's not like his views are a surprise or anything! I think Kristinn should stick to Toby Keith shows from now on.

I don't understand why conservatives are both so ignorant and so thin-skinned as to (a) not figure out that most entertainers are liberal, and (b) care about it. I have yet to see any votes in an election or in Congress changed by what some rock star says in a concert. If Bruce recommended reading Das Kapital, I would not give two hoots about it.

[rs79bm]

OK, explain to me how Springsteen could be morally incompetent enough to say things like the President should be impeached. It's just plain stupid.

[Afronaut]

Please read the thread, He only used the Impeachment word in regards as a set-up for his long time side kick Clarence Clemons introduction. He has used the introduction of Clemons to in varous ways through out the 30 + years that they have played.

In Washington It was, Impeach Bush and install Clarence Clemons as president. Get it? Probably not. Thats ok, its something that you might have to be there to understand.

I was a harmless Crack that promoted this thread into hate for Springsteen. Yes Springsteen does not like GWB.

If you have a problem with Liberals then the entertainment industry is 95% against the President, which would not offer much choices.

[NEW YORKCITYGOPMAN]

I love Spingsteen; great performer, definitely NOT an intellectual heavyweight. As for his politics; this I basically overlook. If I could meet him one on one, I'd set the guy straight.

But here is the issue, as I see it. If the entertainment industry is, as you say, largely anti-Bush and performers make these anti-Bush or sometimes anti-American remarks, should we give them our money? I think that is the question that Bruce's recent 'impeachment' remark or lack thereof, raises.

Of course I know that the entertainment industry is overwhelmingly ultra-liberal. But NOT all artists bring their politics on stage with them. Some, like Bruce, do. That is his right. But perhaps, to show our disapproval, we should not then support his career by going to his shows or buying his CD's. What should a conservative do, when a rock performer is making a pointedly anti-American remark or singing songs which we as conservatives find offensive? Should we boo? Should we go to the concession stands or bathrooms and come back when the song or lecture is over?

Rock concerts are kind of expensive these days. Shouldn't they be enjoyable, too? We get to hear a lot of the crap we don't like on Rather, Jennings and Brokaw. Do we have to get it from Springsteen too?

See my post 226.

[Fighting Irish]

Hey MikeS.......Vast here! heh...heh...heh...

[Extremist]

Did you mean mentally incompetent?

Springsteen blows. He's no different than Britney or n'Synch, he just caters to an older group of bubble-gummers.

[Tabi Katz]

I'm ashamed to say that I once spent money to see that gasbag sing. He didn't say anything political that time; if he had, I would have walked out. But I know better now.

[oldironsides]

Old Bruce is free to speak his mind. We are all free to
use our money as we see fit. Bruce just bought a Dixie Chick special. Bend over Brucie.

[Tabi Katz]

Are you implying that Stringbean doesn't know of what he speaks? He is a successful musician, so who are we to challenge his credentials? After all, he and his gazillionaire friends in Hollywood MUST be more knowledgeable in foreign policy matters than the president of the United States, who only receives daily intelligence briefings. LOL

[Tabi Katz]

Are you implying that Stringbean doesn't know of what he speaks? He is a successful musician, so who are we to challenge his credentials? After all, he and his gazillionaire friends in Hollywood MUST be more knowledgeable in foreign policy matters than the president of the United States, who only receives daily intelligence briefings. LOL

[bushfamfan]

I always thought Springsteen to be overrated. He also overrates himself in importance, makes himself out to be for the little man(typical Demonrat rhetoric) and is typical in his nasty comments in regards to this President. That's how they all are and they offer up nothing but division and hate at this country.

[Doctor Raoul]

Hey Bruce,get a job.

[Doctor Raoul]

Springsteen = Stoned Pony

[kristinn]

I've seen Bruce on every tour since '78, except the acoustic Tom Joad tour. I've never heard Bruce call for the impeachment of any president until last night. He's introduced Clarence many times as "your next President," but not like this. Noone is talking about impeaching Bush except for the looney left, so guess where Bruce picked it up from.

Bruce meant it last night. Yes, he said it in a joking way, but he was serious.

[Afronaut]

"Yes, he said it in a joking way, but he was serious"

Well you took him serious even though he was Joking. Was he also serious about Clarence as the next President? LOL

BTW the three '78 Shows I saw in NYC at the Garden and at the Palladium were some of the best shows that I have ever attended for anyone. I was working on the boardwalk at Seaside Heights that summer and made it up to those shows. Great times.

You know there are a lot of folks in the area that he lives that respect and really admire Bruce. He has giving back to the places where he came from. I know of many examples of his time and effort. The guy is not some stuck up idiot like people say he is here. He is a Liberal, But I still like the Boss.

[kristinn]

He was serious. That's why I reported it. If you've heard Bruce being interviewed, he chooses his words carefully. He knew what he was saying and where he was saying it.

[badlands57]

There have been so many inaccuracies in messages on this forum, I find it hilarious.

Yes, Bruce is a liberal, and I'm sure he doesn't like Bush, but his impeachment comment was *tongue-in-cheek*. He always has lighthearted comments when he introduces Clarence. He proclaimed Clarence the next president of the United States in '99 with Al Gore in the audience. In London, he said he was the next king of England. In California, he was introduced as the next governor of California. It was a freaking joke! He did not chant "Impeach! Impeach!" That's completely made up out of thin air.

A few other inaccuracies:
-Bruce has never been into drugs and was certainly not drunk on TV
-He was not named most rude, unpleasant artist in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. In fact, he's usually named as one of the friendliest in the business.
-His song American Skin (41 Shots) was not attacking the police. Right wingers assumed that without even hearing the lyrics.
-Concerning his sexual attraction to his sister, Mary... uhhh, he doesn't even have a sister named Mary
-He did have poor ticket sales in Buffalo, but the new venue doesn't seat 2000 (multiply that by 10)
-He is a has-been and not popular anymore?? He just sold out 10 nights at Giants Stadium (550,000 tickets). *Nobody* has *ever* sold that many tickets. Then there are the multiple stadium sell-outs in Boston, Philly, etc.
-Bruce didn't steal Max Weinberg from Southside Johnny's band because he was never in it

That's only a few of the inaccuracies. Where do you people come up with this stuff?? The knee-jerk reactions without any facts are exactly what Al Franken talks about in his book. Talk about blowing things out of proportion!! 300+ messages about a lighthearted introduction to his sax player??

[kristinn]

I didn't post the inaccurate stuff. I stand by my reporting from last night. He was serious about it.