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In an announcement that warms this Southern liberal’s heart, Bluegrass scion Ralph Stanley has endorsed Barack Obama for president and has cut a radio ad that’s presumably running in Virginia. Stanley isn’t exactly a conservative, having endorsed Dems–including John Edwards, whoops!–in the past. But the ad is a nice piece of populism that points out Obama’s family-man status:
I also know Barack is a good man. A father and devoted husband, he values personal responsibility and family first.
I’m surprised that this strategy hasn’t been deployed more by the Dems in this election, seeing as Obama’s personal life is arguably more traditional than McCain’s. (Then again, these are the people who think that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are exciting leaders and lost to Bush in 2004.) And the racial implications of this can’t be overlooked. (Bluegrass ain’t exactly the blackest music around, and it seems that this ad is directly targeting white Southerners.) But more importantly, maybe Obama can get together Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z, and Stanley for an all-inclusive, all-star jam! It would most certainly be better than anything will.i.am has ever done.
[New Obama Ad In South Stars Bluegrass Legend Saying Obama Is "A Good Man" [TPM Election Central; HT Robert Christgau]
This ad makes me so happy.
Me, too. Good on you, Dr. Ralph!
I’m going to buy and download a Ralph Stanley song now.
I bought a whole album, and it kicks ass.
Buy “Little Mathie Grove” and SHUDDER.
“But more importantly, maybe Obama can get together Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z, and Stanley for an all-inclusive, all-star jam! It would most certainly be better than anything will.i.am has ever done.”
very true, mr. jensen. very true.
i heard this yesterday and have been in a good mood since, despite my first cold of the year. dr. ralph is the man! i just don’t know why they chose “rank stranger” as the bed music, instead of some upbeat clawhammer thing. oh well – it’s still the greatest endorsement ad EVER.