Top Five Novick Endorsements
Steve Novick's scrappy campaign for US Senate today picked up endorsements from Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam, Michael Stipe of R.E.M., Britt Daniel of Spoon, Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie, Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Flipper, Dave Dederer of The Presidents of the United States, Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney and Rufus Wainwright.
In a tough call, my top five from today's Novick endorsements:
1. "Begin the Begin" R.E.M.
2. "The Way We Get By" Spoon
3. "Get Up" Sleater-Kinney
4. "Drain" Nirvana
5. "Amado Mio" Pink Martini
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April 10, 2008 |
Charlie Burr | Comments (94 so far)
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Posted by: Carl Fisher | Apr 10, 2008 10:05:01 PM
YEA! REM #1
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | Apr 10, 2008 10:22:57 PM
Huh.
Now, I'm a huge fan of almost all these bands (and have seen nearly all of them live), but this isn't exactly surprising.
After all, Krist Novoselic and Stone Gossard are both clients of Steve's consulting firm.
It'd be surprising if they didn't endorse him.
Full disclosure: Jeff Merkley is a client of my firm, but I speak here only for myself. Oh, and I've also endorsed Jeff Merkley -- big whoop.
Posted by: Charlie Burr | Apr 10, 2008 10:38:17 PM
Really? How many other candidates has Britt Daniel endorsed? None that I'm aware of.
It's an impressive list of artists and bands. I'm pretty sure Merkley has worked with all the House Ds who back him; I hardly see how Pyramid working with Gossard or Novoselic diminishes this.
Posted by: Chris Corbell | Apr 10, 2008 10:45:45 PM
Yea, I love REM, but I have to go with Nirvana for #1
I've never read biographies or critical accounts but I always felt that the angular melodies and imagist lyrics of early REM were an influence on Nirvana. But then Michael Stipe was a big influence on me when I was beginning songwriting - I thought is was like Faulkner sitting next to a phonograph spinning the Byrds under a willow tree.
Posted by: A. Rab. | Apr 10, 2008 10:57:56 PM
Fun fact for Nirvana, play the first few (English) Beatles’ records on really bad speakers and you more or less are listening to Nevermind. Though yeah, Cobain would check REM as a big influence.
Posted by: Somedude | Apr 10, 2008 11:23:17 PM
Ya know... i'm a merkley supporter, but I think that steve getting endorsements like these is pretty darn cool. :)
Posted by: Somedude | Apr 10, 2008 11:34:08 PM
Ya know... i'm a merkley supporter, but I think that steve getting endorsements like these is pretty darn cool. :)
Posted by: pat malach | Apr 10, 2008 11:34:43 PM
I'm reckoning THIS is a pretty good one, too.
Posted by: Stephanie V | Apr 10, 2008 11:36:07 PM
It is cool, even if I am so middle-aged and lame that I had to look a couple of these guys up.
But now I feel guilty because Rufus Wainwright was playing in Sydney while my husband and I were there in February, and we didn't go! I couldn't talk him into it. The theater was only three or four blocks from our hotel.
Next time for sure...
Posted by: Garrett | Apr 10, 2008 11:56:13 PM
See Corbell we do agree despite your unbending support of Hillary. I think REM is one of the greatest bands on earth and I can't wait to see them in May. Cobain and Stipe were working on a joing REM Nirvana project that was well documented before Cobain unfortunately offed himself.
I have to admit though I have paid minor attention to this race. I've been kind of on Merkley's side just because I really want Smith to go and I've felt he's the stronger candidate. I know Novick is a really good guy and all but I think getting Smith out is really important. That all aside this endorsement has made me take another look and I have been looking at differences among the two more. So for as lame as a bunch of musicians endorsing someone I'll have a second look now. Maybe I'll see something I like and go with it. Michael Stipe influenced me when I was 14 so he might as well do the same now.
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | Apr 11, 2008 1:32:54 AM
Yeah, I won't argue that these endorsements are cool. Other than Garrett, I'm not sure many voters will pay attention - but yes, it's cool.
Meanwhile, Willamette Week adds more detail to the "Novick clients endorsing Novick" list:
I spoke by phone with Seattle's Dederer, 43, in California this afternoon about Novick, whom Dederer knows from their work together at Pyramid Communications, a consulting firm.
Posted by: Daniel Spiro | Apr 11, 2008 5:23:21 AM
Steve Novick is three things --
brilliant,
authentic, and
cool
Props to those Merkley fans who are willing to acknowledge this fact without adding "well yeah, but ..."
P.S. -- I wish you would have played "Shiny Happy People," because I love that chick from the B-52s who sings on it.
Posted by: Paul van Orden | Apr 11, 2008 5:27:13 AM
Charlie,
I was up early to go for a bike ride with City Council Candidate John Branam and pass out donuts to riders, but I thought this was hilarious and had to take a minute to comment.
With 16 years working in Environmental Law Enforcement and much of that focused on Noise Pollution, I think I have a possible set of credentials to dispute your choices!!!! I respectfully disagree with all FIve of the choices.
Thanks for having fun with the race.
I have gone with the following:
1. Sleater Kinney the live sessions on the Henry Rollins Show
Sad SK never got to play Waterfront Park in lieu of the typical bad jam bands that Portland is not known for yet seem to prevade all events in our City parks.
2. The Decemberists , the castaways and cutouts album " California One Youth and Beauty Brigade
3.Spoon ---anything off of Telephono especially "Loss Leaders"
4.Pink Martini ---"Kikuchiyo to Mohshimasu" off of Hang on Little tomato
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY
5. Death Cab for Cutie---off of WE HAVE THE FACTS and WERE VOTING (for Novick) the song "Scientist Studies"
Cheers,
Paul van Orden
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 6:56:13 AM
How those grapes tasting, Kari? A bit less than sweet? I guess the next step after adding Kevin Kamberg to the contributor list as Merkley hitman/oppo researcher, is to start taking your rhetorical cues from him?
Do you think just MAYBE, Max Cleland is endorsing Merkley because he works with and was (possibly) introduced by mutual buddy Chuck Schumer?
Do Meloy, Tucker and Lauderdale have pernicious connections to Pyramid too, or are they just crazy enough to live here and back Steve?
Posted by: Pat Malach | Apr 11, 2008 7:26:25 AM
It'd be surprising if they didn't endorse him.
let me take care of this
FLUSH...
Man that stunk.
Whomever left that ought to consider one of those colon cleansers, 'cause there's some smelly and rotten inside 'im.
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 7:29:54 AM
Obmusic: (thanks Charlie!)
I'm listening to Lifes Rich pageant, and while begin the begin is great, my favorite is These Days. My hearing of the chorus:
We carry each his burden
We are young despite the years
We are hope despite the times
Oh it's sunny on these days
happy throngs, take this joy wherever you go
Always found that inspiring.
I like Words and Guitar by S-K, and was privileged to make my first show of theirs, their second to last at Crystal.
Valencia and The Sporting Life are fave Decemberists songs.
And even if I didn't like PJ's music, they are forever heroes for fighting Ticketbastard. Really, all of these artists are known for intelligence and integrity. No wonder they support Steve.
Posted by: carla | Apr 11, 2008 7:56:56 AM
Do you think just MAYBE, Max Cleland is endorsing Merkley because he works with and was (possibly) introduced by mutual buddy Chuck Schumer?
Nope.
Max Cleland is coming out because of Jim Rassmann, who many might recall was rescued during the war in Vietnam by John Kerry. Rassmann came to Kerry's defense after the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" lied about Kerry's military service record to undermine his run for the Presidency.
Rassmann and Cleland have been friends for a number of years.
Jim Rassmann is one of the co-chairs of Veterans for Merkley. He called Senator Cleland and told him about Jeff.
That's why Max Cleland is coming to Oregon to support Jeff Merkley.
Carla--Netroots Outreach, Jeff Merkley for Oregon
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 8:09:37 AM
ah, mutual buddy Jim Rassman. I stand corrected.
That's the guy who said Chick Schumer should ne drummed
out of the Senate, right? Has Merkley ever said whether he agrees with that?
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 11, 2008 8:35:38 AM
John Edwards is currently fundraising for the DSCC right here in Oregon.
It's interesting to me how the more time that passes since John Edwards dropped out of the race the more of a fundamental disconnect there appears to be between his values and the values of some who claimed to support him here in Oregon.
Posted by: Pat Ryan | Apr 11, 2008 8:41:55 AM
I think that these endorsements are right in line with support for Steve.
Although Charlie didn't post his favorite Decembrist tune, I took a minute to check out the lyrics posted and it was that satisfyingly adolescent formula of:
vague alienation,
outsider anarchism (with a decent vocabulary of course)
over the top lyrics extolling disengagement.
***********
Don't get me wrong, I love overt cynicism with a backbeat as well as the next guy (who did Alice in Chains endorse? I've got most of their stuff.), but it's all the usual self-indulgent indy/college rock that's been around for decades.
I fail to see how any of it's relevant to either good governance or even clarity for that matter, except that it seems to reenforce my opinion of Novick's overall vision for citizen participation in The System.
ROck on.
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Apr 11, 2008 8:47:39 AM
I'm not surprised they've gotten the Edwards to do fundraising for the DSCC - he is a former senator and presidential candidate, after all.
I've been critical of the DSCC, yes. But does that mean I absolutely hate them and everything they touch? No. I'm just not always happy with what they do.
My biggest gripe with organizations like DSCC is them getting involved in primaries. I wish they'd take the same position as the state and national party and either stay out completely or offer equal services. And I'd have no problem with them raising funds for the eventual nominee (like you can through Act Blue). I just hate seeing an organization whose main duty is supporting Democrats for a certain office (whether it be U.S. Congress, state legislature, etc.) picking one Dem over another in a primary.
The same has been true for other organizations, such as Future PAC. But I recognize that even though they might make what I consider to be stupid choices sometimes, their end goal and mine is the same (elect Democrats) and I still support the organization.
Just because you're critical of an organization or person doesn't mean you hate them. Some people seem to have a black or white view of Novick supporters, and it just isn't the case.
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 11, 2008 8:55:06 AM
Some people seem to have a black or white view of Novick supporters, and it just isn't the case.
Gee whiz, Jenni. Do you think that just MAYBE that's because you Novick supporters have been framing stuff like... oh, I don't know... Gay Marriage in starkly black and white terms for months now??? But now you want to put the onus for your own tactics on everyone else???
Hello!
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 8:59:29 AM
there you go, Pat! If you can't get the endorsement of a highly popular figure with about a fifth of the electorate, just say their music sucks! I wonder, is the classically trained lounge jazz of t
Thom Lauderdale self-indulgent music for Portland's liberal elite?
There is a lot of latent worry spilling from the comments of Merkley supporters this week. Can't imagine why. Maybe it's because Hofstra just added a TD against the Patriots to extend their lead?
Posted by: urbanplanningoverlord | Apr 11, 2008 9:05:41 AM
Well, Elton John has endorsed Hillary Clinton, so that's made my mind up for me!
Seriously, wouldn't a candidate encourage Elton John to endorse his or her OPPONENT?
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Apr 11, 2008 9:24:12 AM
Like I just said on the other thread, I'm done battling it out with you, Kevin. You twist everything around and anything that is different from Merkley's responses must be wrong. I'm done. It doesn't matter what any of us say, we're in the wrong. Fine, I get it.
I have much more important things to do than battle it out with you - such as contacting voters or actually helping my candidate win instead of trying to chase off needed general election supporters.
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 11, 2008 9:24:12 AM
Good question, UPO.
I'm pretty sure that Max Cleland would never win American Idol, therefore what he has to say can't possibly be relevant to a United States Senate campaign.
Posted by: Bridget | Apr 11, 2008 9:40:04 AM
I've got a lot of respect for Max Cleland, and a lot for Michael Stipe.
And I don't make my decision based on who endorses whom.
But, if this gets more people to go out and look up candidates and make informed decisions, that's great!
Also, Krist Novoselic isn't just the former bassist of Nirvana. He's also a well-known voter's rights advocate, and the author of "Of Grunge and Government: Let's Fix this Broken Democracy."
Posted by: Runtmg | Apr 11, 2008 9:53:26 AM
This just in Bono endorses Merkley!
I couldn't resist, by the way, perhaps someone should write Michael Stipe of REM and ask him if Bono is the biggest hypocrite on earth and is a no good tax evader. Considering the fact that Michael Stipe played Live 8 and Bono testified as a character witness during Peter Buck's trial. In fact, because Bono is a worthless hypocrite it is time to throw Peter Buck in jail as well!
By the way I want full tax disclosures from all of those artists to see if in anyway they have taken advantage of tax loopholes. If they do, than Steve Novick takes money from tax evaders regardless if they do this legally or not!
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 10:04:38 AM
krist isn't just an activist, he's a Democratic
committeeman in WA.
Posted by: Charlie Burr | Apr 11, 2008 10:44:55 AM
For R.E.M. fans here: when I was looking through YouTube, the band had more obscure and wonderful videos online than any other artist on this list. Included were some great clips of their first appearance on national television (David Letterman) -- doing "Radio Free Europe" and "South Central Rain" -- as well as a lot of arty, southern Gothic videos from way back. Clips like "Driver 8" have a gritty, Eggleston feel that hold up really well.
It occurred to me when I put this up that I've been listening to them for twenty five years now. Yikes. Obviously they're from Athens, but they had a lot of Memphis connections too. The band recorded their album Green at Ardent Studios down the street from my house. Among the many things that melted in a house fire a few years later were a bunch of very rare, high-quality bootleg tapes of shows from 1983 to 1985. Bummer.
To return to the competitive spirit of this primary, I will say the other real story here is "Novick fails to win coveted Talking Heads nod."
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 10:57:23 AM
Charlie, they did a whole 25 minute movie/video for Reckoning (or maybe it was Fables, but I think it was Reckoning. ) it's really visually beautiful stuff, 180deg from most music videos of the day.
And I have some of those old boots still (including an amazing one called Georgia Peaches Ripe!) from 1981. They do some incredible tunes on that, sound like a totally different band. Email me offline and maybe I can restore some memories for you.
Posted by: Pat Ryan | Apr 11, 2008 11:04:35 AM
That's the guy who said Chick Schumer should ne drummed
out of the Senate, right?
Hafta agree with Rassman on that one, but I don't have a tally of which of the 435 reps should be on Merkley's list.
Maybe Steve has an enemies list compiled, but I'm betting that Merkley's more focused on getting credible veterans like Cleland and Rassman to publicly endorse his stated positions regarding foreign policy and military issues.
Just going by what he (and his endorsers) are actually stating. No need for mind reading, translation of obscure (but weighty) lyrics, or conflation, or guilt by association there.
Just read their actual statements regarding why they support Jeff's policy positions.
It's kinda the old Occam's Cigar thingy.......
Posted by: LT | Apr 11, 2008 11:05:40 AM
"My biggest gripe with organizations like DSCC is them getting involved in primaries."
Jenni, was it OK for the DSCC to get involved in the May, 1996 primary?
3 candidates with political experience and good ideas got drowned out (outspent 10-1 in one case, 100-1 in another case, press coverage that the DSCC candidate was expected to be the nominee in the national press even before May in Oregon) and between them those 3 had total votes which "carried" about 20 counties.
Even though / because? they had talked in great detail in newspaper interviews about their views on issues, while there was generally a line at the bottom of the article "Bruggere did not have specific views on this issue". In the general, Bruggere maybe talked in detail about a couple of issues.
I was so offended by that ---to the point of registering NAV after that primary. Where was the policy operation on that campaign?
Of course, with the Internet, refusing to discuss policy positions is no longer an option.
But to listen to some here, the DSCC never intervened in an Oregon primary the way they have done this year.
I've got news for you: the DSCC this time is a lot less heavy handed than they were in 1996. And complaining about them isn't likely to win the votes of that 40% undecided in the latest poll--folks who probably don't know what DSCC stands for.
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 11:32:47 AM
really, LT? Less heavy handed? Did they support their candidate to the tune of 3x more than any other endorsee had gotten to that time, and do it six months before they typically start disbursing funds? Cause that's what they've done here. Why does bringing it up in this race mean people think it's never happened before? I swear, the false constructs you assemble are baffling sometimes.
Posted by: Jack Murray | Apr 11, 2008 11:42:20 AM
There are many types of endorsements. As Chris Cillizza/The Fix writes, there's an endorsement hierarchy when it comes to primaries. Some help, some hurt, and some are just weird.
There are basically four types of endorsements: Symbolic, State-specific, Celebrity, and Pariah.
I think this hierarchy is instructive in weighing the Cleland and musicians endorsements.
Cleland's support of Jeff Merkley is truly a symbolic endorsement. As a former Senator and veteran who knows first-hand the kind of nasty shit that the GOP will pull (in 2002 his opponent Saxby Chambliss ran an attack ad showing Cleland morphing into Usama Bin Laden and Saddam), Cleland brings a big amount of gravitas to the Merkley campaign. It signifies something larger about Merkley and his campaign.
Novick's endorsements clearly fall into the 'celebrity' category, which Cillizza ranks as less influential than a symbolic endorsement. These artists, most of them only a part of a full band rather than an individual artist, aren't terribly well known except as a player in a band (with the obvious exception of Rufus and Stipe). And while these artists are all great, the names on the list are still B-List at best. And probably not even B-List for most of them.
Cillizza writes that "Once you go beyond the b-list, the law of diminishing returns applies."
And then you have to consider the possible Pariah endorsement of Krist Novoselic. Krist is a very public supporter of libertarian Ron Paul.
That being said, Novick's endorsements seem to rely on a facsimile of a band name, like saying "Sleater-Kinney, Decemberists, Pearl Jam and REM all back Steve Novick", when that's completely untrue.
Max Cleland is Max Cleland, a give-'em-hell southern Democrat and war hero.
The endorsement hierarchy leads to some strange political poker.
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Apr 11, 2008 11:43:09 AM
LT:
Did I ever say it was all right for them to get involved in '96? No. I don't think they should get involved, and the fact that they have in the past has been something I have disagreed with them on - and it is something I have written them on long before the Novick-Merkley race ever came to be.
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | Apr 11, 2008 11:52:35 AM
Thanks, Jack, for that interesting link to Cilizza.
He was talking presidential endorsements, so for the purposes of an in-state race, perhaps we'd redefine "state-specific" as "organizational".
The State-Specific (Statewide) Endorsement: This sort of endorsement comes from an elected official with a proven network -- either financial or organizational -- in a state.
That's why endorsements from small-town mayors are important in a US Senate race - they have a local network that can be put to use. Same for labor unions, etc.
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 12:00:40 PM
ah, more desperate attempts at dismissal! Jack m, are you trying to say Cleland's endorsement is symbolic of his failure to answer a smear pushed against him, sufficiently to retain his seat? Given Merkley's trouble with GOP tactics, maybe you should find another symbol.
Wouldn't Meloy, Tucker, Lauderdale, and as I understand Daniels be considered state-specific?
I'm also curious as to the definition of B list. Does being an international recording star (as Stipe, Gossard, Novoselic and Wainwright are) not get you off that list? I recall Decemberists have toured and sold outside US as well; can't speak to Spoon or the POTUS.
And you'll have to cite who from the campaign has been using band names rather than individual names, cause I haven't seen it (except to identify the person's affiliation after citing the name).
But definitely keep trying to belittle these people's value! I'm sure it's very persuasive.
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 11, 2008 12:12:35 PM
As Chris Cillizza/The Fix writes, there's an endorsement hierarchy when it comes to primaries. Some help, some hurt, and some are just weird.
I'm a big fan of REM and am hoping to take my teenage daughter to see them and The Flaming Lips this summer at a festival, the name of which of course escapes me at the moment.
All else being equal, these musician endorsements might mean something. But against the backdrop of reality it seems to me that they just underscore how many progressive organizations and unions considered and then rejected an endorsement of Steve Novick for Senate in favor of endorsing Jeff Merkley. Which to me places most of these under Cillizz's "just weird" heading.
TJ bringing Max Cleland into it here does the same thing, IMO. And for the very reasons Jack listed.
Posted by: Charlie Burr | Apr 11, 2008 12:15:17 PM
For folks analyzing how this endorsement will be used, I'd encourage you to look at the actual letter of endorsement. Any single endorsement only gets you so far, but endorsement tied to specific issues always work better.
For example:
"Michael Stipe endorses Steve Novick" is only moderately compelling.
"Michael Stipe endorses Steve Novick as the candidate best suited to be an environmental champion and voice against media consolidation in the US Senate" is more compelling.
Steve does well on this front. The artists endorsing Steve signed a joint statement specifically mentioning Steve's positions on economic fairness, ending the war, fighting global warming, net neutrality, and fighting media consolidation.
I'd note that this year's primary will include a lot of first-time young voters who might weigh these more than a typical universe you'd see in a low-turnout primary. I also think the local artists -- Thomas Lauderdale and Corin Tucker for example -- matter every bit as much as a high-profile, bigger selling act because it's more credible that they've given this local race more thought and consideration.
But it's easy to overthink this stuff. Mostly, it's just another example of how Steve is doing very well for himself by running a campaign that closely reflects his personality and who he really is.
Posted by: Pat Ryan | Apr 11, 2008 12:33:31 PM
But it's easy to overthink this stuff.
Too true Charlie.
For example:
I never miss a chance to bash Kitzhaber;
He and I both endorse Obama;
I might fit into either the pariah, wierd, or (most likely) WHO???? category, while Dr. No might bring some on board while simultaneously driving some away.
I'm guessing that voters, when they finally tune in, will be looking at the vets' endorsements and the rock 'n rollers endorsements while staring intently at the Voter's Guide, and there'll be a lot of head scratching going on......
Posted by: Pat Ryan | Apr 11, 2008 12:35:25 PM
Oh, yeah, and I do totally respect Stipes' choice of hairdos.......
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 12:49:03 PM
"I'm guessing that voters, when they finally tune in,"
According to SUSA, well more than half are already tuned in enough to state a preference.
Also, curious:
"Maybe Steve has an enemies list compiled, but I'm betting that Merkley's more focused on getting credible veterans like Cleland and Rassman to publicly endorse his stated positions regarding foreign policy and military issues."
If you're going to take a bizarre pot shot at Novoselic, is Merkley planning to disavow "credible veteran" Tony McPeak, who has a recent DUI on his record and was referring to the Clintons as McCarthyist just a couple weeks ago?
Posted by: torridjoe | Apr 11, 2008 12:58:01 PM
You know, this is an interesting counter to Cillizza, from Jeff Mapes:
Given today's celebrity drenched culture (and the large number of young people who I expect will be voting in the May primary because of the presidential race), these well-known musicians are probably worth more than a roomful of legislators. [emph me]
I don't think Jeff Mapes is some God of demographic electorate analysis, but he does garner respect for his political acumen. FWIW.
Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Apr 11, 2008 1:08:05 PM
Bridget:
When I think of them, it's always Lump or Peaches that come to mind. My sister and I were singing the two songs just a few weeks ago.
Posted by: Tom Civiletti | Apr 11, 2008 1:09:23 PM
Well, I guess I know who to vote for now.
Posted by: Pat Ryan | Apr 11, 2008 1:13:43 PM
If you're going to take a bizarre pot shot at Novoselic,
I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about......
is Merkley planning to disavow "credible veteran" Tony McPeak, who has a recent DUI on his record and was referring to the Clintons as McCarthyist just a couple weeks ago?
I sincerely hope not, as I'm a big fan of McPeak as an intelligent spokesperson on military matters. I'll be sure not to consult with him for driving tips, and as for the McCarthy comment, do you agree with him on that one Mark?
As to what Merkley's going to do, I'm guessing that'll be up to him.
Posted by: Kevin | Apr 11, 2008 1:19:19 PM
I will second the recognition of Mapes' political acumen.
Here's what he had to say today:
Merkley is clearly winning some endorsements because he has been able to deliver as speaker of the House (Planned Parenthood and Basic Rights Oregon sure made that clear when they gave him their nod). And he's also got the support of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and for many groups that is the sign that he is the most electable Democrat. - emphasis supplied
While musicians such as Bono are certainly entitled to use their fame to further progressive causes which they feel are important and have surely earned the gratitude showered on them for have a social conscience. They don't bring the kind of single-minded gravitas to those issues that less infamous but infinitely more invested progressive political organizations, such as Basic Rights Oregon, Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club do.
Steve Novick pursued all of the same progressive organizations and unions that Merkley did. Obviously he wouldn't have done so if a bunch of musicians would have sufficed.
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Posted by: Jenni Simonis | Apr 10, 2008 9:54:51 PM
Charlie:
Yea, I love REM, but I have to go with Nirvana for #1. I don't know what song I'd pick, though. There were too many good ones - I especially love the Unplugged stuff.