Born to Run?

May 15, 2002 8:31 AM

Born to Run? A group of New Jersey political activists announced a plan to draft Bruce Springsteen to run for the U.S. Senate "as a true representative of the state". But there is a big problem: no one has talked to the Boss about the idea. "Senator Springsteen": how does that sound?
posted by matteo (18 comments total)

Only if Lee Greenwood promises to run for President in '04.
posted by darukaru at 8:33 AM on May 15, 2002

The fact that Bruce Springsteen is a great artist who has contributed deathless works to the canon of song doesn't erase the fact that, essentially, he's a dope.
posted by Faze at 8:44 AM on May 15, 2002

That's a little harsh, Faze. I've read interviews with the Boss and while he's no Feynman, he's certainly not a stupid man. And what makes his works so deathless(along with his musical talent) is the fact that you can hear that his understanding of and compassion for ordinary people is real and honest. Only a man who has been there could write a portrait of frustration as accurate as "Badlands".

Does this qualify him to be a senator? Probably not. But we've elected some far less deserving celebs to public office, so who knows?
posted by jonmc at 8:56 AM on May 15, 2002

jonmc: what make a celeb politico "deserving"?
posted by nobody_knose at 9:16 AM on May 15, 2002

I seem to remember him saying in the past that he's not interested in being a politician. But I think he should be President.

Springsteen is not a dope. That may disqualify him from politics, or at least make it unappealing for him.
posted by edlundart at 9:21 AM on May 15, 2002

what make a celeb politico "deserving"?

Professional wrestlers, singers = deserving

Actors, football players, anyone who ever appeared on "the Love Boat"* = not deserving

* - which takes Sonny Bono, I believe out of the "singer" category.
posted by yhbc at 9:24 AM on May 15, 2002

jonmc: what make a celeb politico "deserving"?

nobody knose- I was kidding around a bit, but since you asked, the same things that would make any politico deserving: similar stances on issues, compassion, intelligence, sincerity, etc. and I'll admit Bruce just come across as a cooler guy than any of the three people I linked to.

It's all academic, since the Boss obviously wouldn't run, but all things considered Jersey could do a lot worse.
posted by jonmc at 9:24 AM on May 15, 2002

Raise your hand if you have reason to believe this can't be true. Bruce is a cautious man, a local hero, not one to be blinded by the light of Washington and the promise of wealth and power. He'd tell you point blank, he'd rather sell used cars in Nebraska or be out in the street, out of work than living in a mansion on the hill overlooking the river Potomac.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 9:37 AM on May 15, 2002

It's not a question of deserving. It's a right to run for office. Even a crack whore off the corner has the right to run for office, provided they meet the age and citizenship requirements layed out in the constitution.

Hell, instead of why Bruce? Let's ask, Why not Bruce? Just because he's a celebrity? Please..
posted by Apoch at 9:38 AM on May 15, 2002

Well, he lives in California now I think, so unless he moves back to Jersey, I doubt it.

Besides, I think he'd pull a William Tecumsah Sherman on them; "if nominated I will not run; if elected I will not serve." But that's just my view.
posted by PeteyStock at 9:49 AM on May 15, 2002

....Not to mention, he's got the Fever to deliver us all to the Promised Land, and have those who work in the factory protected by a state trooper. Becoming a senator would be one step up for Bruce who has been chasing something in the night the whole time he was growin' up. But the corruption of DC might get to him since it's hard to be a saint in the city.

*high-fives with crash davis*
posted by jonmc at 9:49 AM on May 15, 2002

Well, thanks matteo - with your clever headline I shall never be able to listen to one of my favourite songs - Born to Run - again. Without laughing, I mean. Unwillingly, you thoughtless bastardo! :)
posted by MiguelCardoso at 10:41 AM on May 15, 2002

Well, for sure, the Singing Senators (disbanded since Jeffords dumped the GOP) would have some competition.
posted by dhartung at 11:30 AM on May 15, 2002

A brief look at the NJ political landscape will remind everyone reading this thread that it can't get much worse. Draft 'em, and elect 'em.
posted by adampsyche at 11:52 AM on May 15, 2002

im glad to see someone has a sence of humor.
posted by clavdivs at 3:03 PM on May 15, 2002

I read once that it was somewhat ironic that a popular singer who is so often seen as a representative of the "working stiffs" and "regular joes" goes by the nickname of the "The Boss."

Oh, and jonmc -- Sonny Bono was *cool* no matter how you slice it; entertainer, businessman, restauranter, singer, comedian, husband/father, congressman...I'll admit it - I shed a few tears when he died. My two cents. :-) He was no Bootsy, granted, but...
posted by davidmsc at 5:34 PM on May 15, 2002

I'd move to Joisey and vote for the man if I thought it would make him stop making those awful "adult contemporary" records....

Bootsy for Prez! One nation under a groove!
posted by BitterOldPunk at 6:13 AM on May 16, 2002

Yo, BitterOldPunk -- way to entangle two threads -- this one just got interesting with your reference!
posted by davidmsc at 3:06 PM on May 16, 2002