You've heard what your parents think. You've heard what every political analyst on every news station from here to Telemundo thinks. You've heard what the kid behind the counter at Starbucks thinks. But what do your favorite musicians think about the results of Tuesday's presidential election? We'll be updating this page as more opinions roll in, so keep checking back!
Though I voted Green, I am pleased beyond belief that Barack Obama won the election. It is not only a testament to the American people that a black man was elected president, but also that he was able to withstand the Republican hate-machine and all their lies.
Other news-A poem:
In California-Eden fascism lurks
funded by right-wing religious jerks
who proved again to be full of hate
when they lied about kids to pass prop. 8.
Peace.
|
|
DAN REGAN
Reel Big Fish
|
JOHN BALDWIN GOURLEY
Portugal. The Man
|
It was an emotional night for me personally, in that I know Sarah Palin has no business being a vice president. But I think even bigger than that was to see the reaction of people across the country (heck, across the world) who were celebrating the election of a president as if it were New Year's Eve. That hasn't happened in my lifetime. It is uplifting to see such joy. It should not matter whether you are Republican, Democrat or Independent, you should be overjoyed that we are finally starting to heal one of America's biggest wounds: Slavery.
|
|
|
I wish Tupac was alive to bear witness. Hopefully there will be a new song from the vaults released by his mom that gives us his sensitive thug point of view concerning this historic event.
|
|
SCOTT STURGEON
Leftover Crack
|
TRAVIS MARTIN
See You Next Tuesday
|
I know that I personally couldn't be happier to see a change in the oval office. It's comforting to know that we have a president who can string together words and sentences into a cohesive message. Never mind the fact that our foreign relations have already gone up tenfold, or that he has big, well thought-out plans for our country's future. He isn't Bush, and that is enough in and of itself. I'm sure I sound like a repeat of those who've sent in responses already, but I think that Obama is exactly what we need at this point in time. We desperately needed change, and lucky for us, it came.
|
|
|
People want to believe in Obama so badly. Hell, I want to believe in him. I just hope he knows what he got himself into. The country is so fucked right now that anyone who would want the job has to be commended. It's like fighting for two years to adopt all the pit bulls that survived Michael Vick so that you could rehabilitate them and turn them in to seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Barack almost seems too good to be true. He speaks like a black Bobby Kennedy, he inspires like Moses, he can hit the three-pointer like Kobe Bryant and my wife thinks he's sexy. He's a fucking rock star, so people are skeptical. They should be. There's nothing wrong with a little healthy skepticism.
|
|
CHARLIE PAULSON
Black President
|
DOUG ROBINSON
The Sleeping
|
The Sleeping are totally stoked about the results of this election. We all took a break from recording and just lounged on the couch to watch the final decision. It was an amazing feeling to realize that for the first time in a long time, America stood together as a unified country and enforced a positive change. It was a sense of family again, and it made me proud to know a ton of new people voted. Sitting on the couch with my band, watching history unfold like never before was really an inspiring feeling. When Obama came out with his victory speech, someone in power finally made me feel very safe and confidant living in this country for the first time in a long time. It was an amazing speech and it was spoken, in my opinion, with absolute sincerity, integrity and confidence that our country can be saved.
|
|
|
Tuesday, America grew up a little bit. While the last eight years stunted our growth, the rest of the world sprouted. Now is our chance to catch up and regain some credibility in the world of tomorrow. Go Obama.
|
|
TIM McILRATH
Rise Against
|
DAVE HAUSE
The Loved Ones
|
Watching the culmination of a presidential election with my wife, I felt for the first time a sense of hope and inspiration in our ailing American experiment. Having been able to vote now for 12 years, with each passing election I have felt like my generation's voice has become less and less important and less and less heard. Now, when I think of my teenage brother, my stepdaughter, my toddler nephews and all the younger folk around the world, I get the feeling that the world can indeed become a better place. In light of the ugly, racist past of America, to see a black man elected to the highest office is indeed a great and very necessary step towards a more balanced democracy. Knowing that the next time we step on a stage, we can do so without being ashamed of our leader, but instead hopeful of what he can achieve is inspiring and exciting.
|
|
|
It was the most rock 'n' roll election of all time. The new president has won a Grammy and performed with Jay-Z. To anybody who thinks this election wasn't revolutionary, that's too much drama for Obama!
|
|
DEREK MOUNT
Family Force 5
|
BRYAN KIENLEN
The Bouncing Souls
|
I'm happy and proud for Barack, and I'm happy and proud for America. He's a walking, talking miracle and I am a believer. Look forward with great anticipation and optimism to the next four and maybe eight years.
|
|
|
This election has only just ended but the lasting effects it will have on us and our children and their children and so forth is undeniable. I am proud to be a member of a hopeful nation once again. We are the UNITED States of America.
|
|
SHAANT HACIKYAN
Cute Is What
We Aim For
|
BEN WEINMAN
The Dillinger
Escape Plan
|
This voting year, Dillinger spoke our mind about registering to vote and people actually going out and doing it. It's probably the first time that we have ever made any kind of political statement to our fans and we are thrilled that young people actually got out there and made a real difference. With the state of the economy and world relations, it is clear that it is the younger generation who are affected the most by the decisions that were once influenced mainly by our parents' generation alone. Regardless of whether or not you are happy with the outcome of the election, everyone should be ecstatic about the enthusiasm that this election has provoked.
|
|
|
Finally some fucking hope.
|
|
WIL FRANCIS
William Control/
Aiden
|
J.T. WOODRUFF
Hawthorne Heights
|
I am extremely happy with the results for the 2008 election. I feel that it is an amazing, much needed step forward for our country. If we aren't stepping forward, we are stepping backward. And it just feels awesome that America is finally ready for progression and change.
|
|
|
This election has really showed me that the American dream is still alive. Someone can be the son of an immigrant from Kenya, and rise to become the single most important political leader in the world. If that doesn't inspire someone, then I don't know what would. I'm not even American (I'm Canadian), and the last couple of weeks of up and down have been extremely stressful for me. The U.S. presidential election affects the entire world a lot more than even Americans think. To say that I feel relief would be an understatement. I feel the hope and the love in the air that not only Americans but the entire world can bond together and fix the problems and (to quote Propagandhi), "Make this shit hole planet better." America, you done good.
|
|
SHANE TOLD
Silverstein
|
MARTIN
JOHNSON
Boys Like Girls
|
I'm excited to see a change! I'm optimistic for the promises to end the war and reverse the economic slump. Hopefully we will be living in a better America and world within the next four years. As a writer, I truly admire President-Elect Obama's speeches. Let's hope those words are turned into actions.
|
|
|
Obama won, but I still lost my right to get married [since Prop 8 passed in California]. I'm gonna have to
marry Sarah Palin and help her go shopping. Maybe the GOP can buy us matching pink shotguns!
|
|
JEFFREE STAR
|
LIV
Sister Sin
|
From an outsider's point of view [I'm from Sweden], it seems like a huge change was needed. We are glad the best man won, and hope he can strengthen ties with the rest of the world.
|
|
|
I feel like the world is now a better place, and a large chunk of my faith in my country has been restored. I don't think we made a good choice, I think we made a great choice. I'm looking forward to living in a country where the guy who runs it is smarter than I am. I would love to be there when Sarah Palin returns the expensive wardrobe. From here out, you can refer to our drummer Joe Sirois as 'Joe The Drummer.'
|
|
DICKY BARRETT
The Mighty
Mighty Bosstones
|
TONY SLY
No Use For A Name
|
Regardless of what party you belong to, I think the idea of Obama being a transformational figure is undeniable. The world is with us on this. Hopefully we don't let them down.
|
|
|
The results are like a green light for my girlfriend and I to make a baby.
|
|
SEAN "SLUG"
DALEY
Atmosphere
|
VIC FUENTES
Pierce The Veil
|
I think we all realized what a huge part of history this is when we saw thousands of people parading and celebrating through the streets of Philadelphia last night. You can actually feel change happening around us already.
|
|
|
I am stunned. Even with all of the time, money, energy, my silly little song, everything I and so many others gave... I am just stunned. Even though I saw the numbers, so clear for so long, even though I sort of knew in some strange way since the DNC in 2004 that Here Is A President, I am still just stunned. I keep waking up. I notice myself wanting everything to be okay immediately. Shouldn't we all get superpowers on a day like today? I was disappointed that I was still the same asshole in traffic today. It's fun to notice these feelings, go through them. As big as this is (and today I just want to celebrate), this is simply a beautiful beginning. Obama said over and over that this was about us, not him. That wasn't just a platitude, something to get us feeling good. It's true; no leader can do anything transcendent without an inspired electorate. That's us. Let's do this. Yes, we really can.
|
|
JONAH
MATRANGA
Far
|
AL BARR
Dropkick Murphys
|
Now that we have a president that is eager and willing to build bridges rather than destroy them, touring the world will be even more inspiring and exciting.
|
|
|
I'm stoked to see how things turn out now and if the economy gets back on track again. Bands in general are essentially small businesses so when taxes go up it can hurt us a lot. The best thing we can hope for is that the gas prices go down... and for moms and dads give their kids enough money to buy CDs, go to all of our shows, and buy all of our merchandise! Muahahahah.
|
|
LEE DUCK
Sky Eats Airplane
|
CLIFF SARCONA
As Tall As Lions
|
I can't remember the last time we felt this proud to be American. This
election showed that even in the worst times of despair youth voters can come together and decide this country's future. The election of Obama will not only restore the world's faith in America, but restore
American's faith in the good will of it's own people.
|
|
|
Listening to both candidates speak last night after it was all over, I thought of how much better men both of these guys were compared to George W. Bush. Both men had an ability beyond Bush's to inspire people and I think that says a lot about what we were all looking for. I voted for Obama and I'm glad that it was not as close as the last elections have been. The whole night, in general, showed me that the country actually realized how bad things had gotten and we were motivated as whole to fix it. It gave me some faith again.
|
|
FRED
MASCHERINO
The Color Fred
|
KALEO WASSMAN
Pepper
|
I'm so excited that we finally got a president who likes plate lunches and gets barrled bodysurfing sandy beach.
Hawaii approved means Pepper approved.
|
|
|
Post a Comment
<3 amazing.
Great to read the opinions of these musicians :)
I enjoyed reading about what these musicians had to say. Thanks for compiling this together. I personally voted for the very first time and I'm just really glad to be a part of this historic election.
I voted for McCain.. so now all I can do is continue to love Sarah Palin and hope Obama doesn't screw up our country too terribly bad. Good for America, getting out and voting. But I think it may have been for all the wrong reasons.. electing a Liberal to fix the problems from George Bush was not the answer.. Just my opinion.
I think the responses from the bands were kinda typical. I think it would have been better if they'd gotten Rise Against or Ted Nugent's opinion. Then again, that would probably start a flame war. Nevermind's. Here's to a great four years! But remember, patience is a virtue! Change will happen in due course. American's had a leg up on us Canucks. Our voter turnout was the lowest we;d ever had. Kinda dispels that "Americans are idiots" stereotype... =]
I hate that AP always gets the same opinions for every poll. Instead of looking for as many bands that support Obama and Democrats, why not look for a band that, ya' know, doesn't have the same opinions as every single band you survey? Differing opinions... I voted McCain and I know there are bands that support(ed) McCain as well. But no~, we have to keep hyping up Barack. Whatever.
jeffree stars comment is awesome! so shit about prop 8. lets move forward not backwards and support equal rights people! that being said i do agree that having a diverse collection of comments rather than just those endorsing obama would have been interesting to read.
Hey guys, this is AP's associate editor Tim. Just to clear up any confusion, we didn't ask for a particular type of answer or edit the results. We asked the same question of everyone and we posted (or are in the process of posting) every answer we received.
I'd like to have seen some bands that were more republican. I can't say that I know of any, and I'm not complaining; I'm just curious how many bands have conservative viewpoints.
a few things i feel the need to say: first: i am overwhelmingly joyous at the outcome of last night's election and i am happy that so many of my favorite musicians share this view. second: i would like to say to all the people who are complaining about the lack of musicians supporting mccain - the majority of alternative musicians support more liberal ideas. if you don't like this, start listening to different music. and third: WiL's comment was definitely the best
Another reason not many bands will voice their Conservtive views is because they can lose gigs because of it. I know a band who voiced their opinions, and then proceeded to have their shows canceled in 4 locations. People are so riled up about this. It was, and still is unpopular. It's hard to be a Conservative in this country right now.
It's hard to be a conservative in the media and entertainment industry right now. I must say that I will support Obama, but I think a lot of what these musicians were saying is really just mindless fluff. Jonah, Shane, and Fred probably had the most thought out answers. I'm pretty sure one of the girls in Meg and Dia is more of an economic conservative. So i really wanna see her opinion.
people are so quick to say they are proud of our country for making this decision. yet they block out everyone else that has a different opinion than themselves. so really we didnt accomplish anything, we still have the people that think theyre so right about this election and anyone that thinks differently is wrong. why dont you try getting the mccain perspective instead of just kissing obamas ass. wait a year and then see nothing has changed. im calling it now. PALIN '12
Jason P here. StillCity: With that screen name, are you checking in from Pittsburgh? Whitneyxx & Endwithstyle: Please email us at editorial@altpress.com, and tell us who's conservative so we may give them an opportunity to respond. Let the record show we put in a call to Jonathan ("McCain makes it rain!") from FTSK to get his take on the election. I can understand support for McCain, no prob. (He should've had Bush's term.) But why is there so much love for Palin? That woman has more baggage than LAX on the weekend...
I don't get the Palin thing either, and I voted for McCain. She won't be president, and she will only be the non in 2012 if Obama does really well. The future of the republican party is the young Governor of Louisiana, who has had the same experience as Palin and then some (taking over from the corrupt jerk who basically let Katrina Happen) but wasn't the nominee because he's only 36, way too young. Also McCain Aides are saying Palin brought a lot of baggage to the campaign, which is not a good thing, and probably got on peoples nerves which broke the campaign.
Where were the McCain suppoters the last 8 yrs. You can thank John McCain's Loss on Bush(the last 8 yrs sucked), the idiot aka Sarah Palin,hes 72 would he have made it 4yrs.Whats going on in Afganistan and Iraq is not as important as whats going on in the U.S.and most Americans would agree that all the money that is being used for the war could be better spent over here were its obviously needed.Of course theres a chance that nothing will be fixed in a year it took Bush 8yrs to screw it up.Obama makes lots of people believe in democracy he is what this country needs and a good choice.Bush was the worst thing 2 happen 2 America.The future looks bright to bad not everyone sees it.
this is actually totally what i expected. but i voted for bob barr. i thought he was the best candidate in this type of situation. knowing he wouldnt win, i voted for him anyways. im not going to vote for something i dont believe in... plus, if you dont vote you dont have a reason to bitch about the government. i definately agree with jeffree star.
I completely agree with whitneyxx, endwithstyle and stillcitysoundtrack. and I know most of Emery are Republicans.
well this is sure one-sided. i know you guys at AP are liberal, but it seems like in the interest of, well, interest(and not to mention fairness), you could have found at least a few different viewpoints. plus you have to admit most of these band dudes aren't the smartest guys ever. i honestly don't really care what they think. it doesn't affect my vote or my support. most of these guys just seem to want some nebulous "change" just for the sake of change from Bush. It's not just change from Bush, it's change to a much more socialistic country. all you have to do is look at Obama's voting record and his associations to figure that out. News flash, boys: change isn't always a good thing!
obama is what we need; although i am disapointed in the fact that gays cant get married; other than that and a few other things obama was a hellofalot better choice than McCrackhead simply because of Palin. i mean, obviously if a political figure is in tabloids more than anything than there's the main thing.....
You don't ask to go in tabloids usually. (paparazzi folks) BUT Michelle Obama was in tabloids, but her articles were nice. Palin isn't a very high quality politician, I know, she shouldn't have been McCain's vp, but oh well, it's the VP, and sometimes having a Dan Quale (sp?) is fun. But in honesty the poor woman couldn't do anything right from the get go, which is horrible. I don't support Obama but I have hope he can be a good president. If McCain was elected, I know a lot of people would be flipping out. Many republican's are like me, and admitting our party effed up on the social issues like Gay Marriage. It should have been a referendum to begin with and not gone through the courts.
Rightchus!
I was glad to see so many people turn put and vote this year,(that should be the case regardless of race) but I do think alot of people based their voting off of the wrong reasons and only thinking about issues that effect themselves and not the main issues and what effects the nation. either way the outcome is what it is. I just hope the country does improve, it cant go to much further down