rVibe Blog

I have been working on a webshow for the past couple months that I thought you all might enjoy.  It’s called “The Leif Garrison Project” and is on leifgarrison.com.  Leif Garrison is a fake rock star who has it all-hit songs, a wealthy upbringing, 3 beautiful girlfriends, and the IQ of a monkey.  He decided that he wants to make a difference in the world, and instead of releasing his second album, runs for president!

 While watching the final versions of the first few great episodes, it got me thinking about musicians and politics.  With the presidential race heating up and most musicians backing one of the democratic contenders, I couldnt help but wonder whether it hurts or helps their cause.

My favorite artist, Bruce Springsteen, along with countless others (including Rolling Stone Magazine) have come out in their support for Barack Obama.  In 2004, Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Dixie Chicks, and a slew of other artists held concerts in support of John Kerry, and I wouldnt be surpised if they do it again (if Barack gets the party nominee).  On the other hand, artists such as Bon Jovi and Elton John have stood behind Hilary Clinton, already providing benefit shows for her campaign.

As a left leaning 20 something from the NYC area, I am very grateful to these artists for getting behind my party of choice.  But is that sentiment felt throughout the whole country?  Or are people so turned off from a musician speaking out for a candidate that they will actually vote the other way just to go against the Hollywood ideal? 

Obviously, John Kerry did not win the 2004 presidential election, even with all of his musician backers-and we’ll just have to wait and see if the democrats again fail to capture the White House. 

Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Leif Garrison might be better off sticking to what they do best.  We’ll just have to wait and see…