Star power dim at the Garden

[cal04]

It's not the trade deficit that ought to be worrying Republicans.
It's not even the budget deficit or the jobs deficit.All those deficits are serious enough - and important to the future of the nation. But honestly, this is a time of politics. None of that is going to tip this election.But there's another deficit, growing more severe by the day, that Republicans ignore at their peril. I'm talking about the eye-popping celebrity deficit. The star gap. The gaping chasm between Democratic and Republican celebs.Have you seen what passes for "star-studded" at the Republican National Convention this year?

Country crooner Darryl Worley!
Atlanta-based rock band Dexter Freebish!
Latin gospel singer Jaci Velasquez!
Christian rock group Third Day!



You'll notice, a few paragraphs up, I didn't have to write "New Jersey-born rock singer and band leader Bruce Springsteen, who this fall will be leading a cross-country tour of other Democratic-leaning musicians."The name alone was enough. Actually I didn't even need to say "Bruce." "Springsteen" would have done it. Or even "the Boss."

Now that's star power!

So where's the Republican Matt Damon? The Republican Ben Affleck? There's barely a Republican Martin Sheen or Rob Lowe. While the Republicans do now claim a Baldwin - brother Steve - he's two or three celebrity notches below Billy and Alec, both outspoken Democrats.
And this fall, when Springsteen heads out on tour to rev up the Democratic base, he won't be joined by a bunch of musicians you never heard of. He'll share the stage with the Dave Matthews Band, the Dixie Chicks and high-watt Democratic stars.


"There's a reason the preponderance of celebrities and successful movies and musicians and painters and people in the whole world of culture support Democrats," New York PR man Ken Sunshine was saying at week's end.Sunshine should know. He represents a number of politically active performers, including Leo DiCaprio, Barbra Streisand, John Mellencamp and Affleck."Democrats have been a whole lot better on issues like civil rights and civil liberties and peace and gay rights and abortion rights," Sunshine said. "Those issues unify people in the creative world."


"Obviously, celebrities create a sense of excitement at public events," Sunshine said. "Tell me honestly. Who would you rather hear speak at some cocktail party? Ben Affleck or Bruce? Or a bunch of lobbyists or tobacco or Enron executives?"

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/newyork/columnists/ny-nyhen293946681aug29,0,6530797.column?coll=ny-ny-columnists

[Joy Anne]

1. Is it true?

I've heard that the top draw is a group (or person) called Lynnard Skynnard, whose top song is a paean to George Wallace and whose stage show features a huge Confederate flag. Is this true, or is someone teasing me?

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Lynard Skynard.

And yes, a retread, reformed and reconstituted Souther Rock Band is playing a repuke party.

Sad fact is that by doing this, they are turning their back on a lot of what they originally stood for. Sad, but not at all surprising.

[Joy Anne]

7. but what's their act?

Do they really fly a huge Confederate flag and praise Wallace?

[Bridget Burke]

9. They're a Southern rock band.....

One of the ones that got famous back in the 70's--the Allman Brothers Band was probably the best known. These were (mostly) working class (mostly) white boys who played blues-based, loud rock & roll. Never the favorites of the most intellectual critics, the best of them played with more soul & fire than the artier groups filling stadiums in those days.

The Allmans were never the same after two motorcycle accidents killed Duane Allman & their bass player. Lynyrd Skynyrd suffered a plane crash in 1977, killing key band members; the pathetic results are evident.

Educate yourself!

[Joy Anne]

8. Yes, I guess it's true

See the link: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/27713.htm

[Cha]

2. Important freakin' issues like these..

."Democrats have been a whole lot better on issues like civil rights and civil liberties and peace and gay rights and abortion rights," Sunshine said. "Those issues unify people in the creative world."

I imagine Alec and William Baldwin are a little worried about their deluded brother steve.

[DoYouEverWonder]

3. Darn, you mean they couldn't even get Ted Nugent

maybe they can squeeze in Alice Cooper, now that he's gone to the dark side?

[realisticphish]

5. coopers always been a repuke

but i doubt he'd go; he was the one that said rock musicians shouldnt be supporting a political party :eyes:


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[jean]

6. Schwarzenegger. Willis.