PrintNovember 11, 2007
Edwards Booed at Mellencamp Concert
Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards appeared on stage with pop rock icon John Cougar Mellencamp and was promptly and loudly booed by JCM fans:
It's at this point Mellencamp gestures and John Edwards walks on stage. After a few cheers boos overtake the hall. "I've been in your small towns," Edwards said as Mellencamp stepped aside to give Edwards a place behind the microphone. "...You didn't come here to listen to me," Edwards continues as he winds down with a "thank you," waves and walks to the darkened edge of the stage.I think the booing says more about the self-absorbed left wing celebrity culture than it says about Edwards. These guys actually believe that people care what they think when it comes to politics, that their music or talent (or lack thereof) gives them some special kind of insight into issues that affect all of us.
The crowd is mostly booing at this point. "I came for a concert," one man behind me yelled. "Refund. Refund," another chanted a few rows back. One person in the crowd made this observation: "Are they booing Edwards specifically or booing because they don't like politics?" Mellencamp tells the crowd he's "had a lot of fun with that guy," and begins playing his guitar and singing Small Town again. The crowd slowly begins to sing along again. Edwards stood on the darkened edge of the stage until the song was over, then exited.
All their fans want is for them to "Shut up and sing." Or act. Or, like Rosie O'Donnell, be a celebrity. Most people could care less what they think about Iraq. Only in the celebrity drenched media do their opinions receive any attention.
If I had been in the crowd, I would have demanded a refund too.
