Toby Keith Praises Obama, Says He's A Democrat

LOS ANGELES — Barack Obama is getting praise from Nashville, courtesy of one big, patriotic country star.

Toby Keith, perhaps best known to non-country audiences for his post-Sept. 11 song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," says he's a Democrat, and was impressed by the senator from Illinois.

Keith has said in the past that the 2002 song _ which included lines aimed at the Taliban like "we lit up your world like the Fourth of July" _ was more patriotic than pro-war.

Asked while promoting his new movie "Beer For My Horses" about the role of patriotism in the current presidential election, Keith replied: "There's a big part of America that really believes that there is a war on terrorism, and that we need to finish up.

"So I thought it was beautiful the other day when Obama went to Afghanistan and got educated about Afghanistan and Iraq. He came back and said some really nice things.

"So as far as leadership and patriotism goes, I think it's really important that those things have to take place. And I think he's the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton. And that's coming from a Democrat."

Comments

[brannon]

To tell you the truth, I dont know who to believe anymore. Its sad, but true. Everything is so F'd Up these days. You cant believe the democrats or the Republicans. Its all B.S. from both sides. Sad to say, the America I love, is in deep trouble....

[bigblane]

tobey is just trying to make up with the dixie chicks so that he won't have to make country recoreds anymore.he ca hang with the hollywood crowd and win a grammy

[Wolfen1222]

I am SO disappointed in Toby Keith, who has shown so much patriotism in the past. He obviously has not done his homework on Obama - he, too, obviously has been sucked in by those pretty speeches that appeal to the folks out there who don't dig past the words. If folks would do enough research on the FACTS about this man, I don't think they would be jumping up and down screaming his praises. (hey......maybe he's the next Messiah??? or maybe Anti-Christ??) Toss-up

[visavis]

wow, did you really just call a sitting united states senator a piece of filth? that's christian, small-town-values speech if i've ever heard it!

[PAarmyWife]

Toby Keith is a country singer with an extreme conservative base. I just came from his concert tonight and just stumbled upon this possible fact that Keith supports Obama. IF this is true, and a big IF, he can be certain that backs will turn and it's possible he will lose some of the very fan base he has created over the past few years built upon conservative principles. My husband is a military man and is not very fond of country music but has always respected Keith for what he has done for the troops and his outspoken patriotism. This would be a huge disappointment to my family if he was no backing a piece of filth. But then again, to mainstream Hollywood, it's the "cool thing" to do. I have always assumed Keith was above all the Hollywood hype.

[MichaelSee]

If only the people with the insane ideas in their heads and (apparently) anger in their hearts turn their backs, T.K.'s fan base ought to be pretty safe.

[research]

Keith gave concerts Supporting Bush.

He's just another lying Republican pretending to be a democrat.

[JJeff88]

We're in the midst of a political campaign.

When someone who said bad stuff before says good stuff now, be happy about the good stuff (i.e. you don't have to say nice things about the guy - but at the same time, don't look the gift horse in the proverbial mouth).

What I'd really like to see are a couple of country songs in support of Barack composed and sung by Mr. Keith - if it would mean more Obama votes in farm and hill country.

[farfarright]

TOBY KEITH GAVE MONEY TO BUSH AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY,CHECK NEWS MEAT,I DONT KNOW WHAT HE IS UP TO BUT SURELY HE HAS NOT BECOME BRAINDEAD!

[barbwiregrrl]

He just wants to sell records and he knows that the GOP is not gonna be in power much longer.

[BrianMac]

And the congressional races for 2006. Of course, he may have had a change of heart since then...

[donegill]

Until TK gets on his knees and begs forgiveness of Natalie and the Chicks I am keeping my FUTK shirt. The boy has sucked a lotta Republicans.

[mybostonjack]

Amen! I was never a fan of the Dixie Chicks but became one quickly after her comments on Bush.

[obamanation31]

I am downloading his songs right now. Even though I am not much of country fan.

[abcjohnson]

Don't buy into this by buying his records, that's eXACTly what he wants you to do. His track record is a NIGHTMARE! Don't fall into this trap!

[OkieIntellectual]

So TK is a strong patriot who loves and believes in America... then why didn't he ever serve in the military or hold a civil service position. I mean seriously, he talks a big game abount being a tough guy and he certainly looks fit and healthy, so tell us TK why you didn't do like Pat Tillman and set aside the career and the millions of dollars for a little while to go fight for your country during a time of war?

[bpowell1]

Because this America and right now you still have the choice of wether or not you want to serve in the military. And how do you know he didn't try to get in the militarty and had some sort of medical problem. This is why people should stop judging people.

[EinChicago]

Question. Did YOU ever serve or are you a chickenhawk here?

[Dano50]

Why don't you ask the same of Dubya and Cheney? They certainly had THEIR chance to kick some ass in 'Nam back in the day...and both took a pass in their own way. NOTHING worse than a chickenhawk in a leadership position, who sends others to do his fighting. Where are you stationed BTW?

[PhDiva]

I am an African American who lives in a major coastal city. However, I am very offended by the discrimination towards white southerners. Terms like "red neck" and "hillbilly" are not only forms of regionalism (regional discrimination), they are also classist insults that demean working-class whites. If you disagree with Keith, then disagree with what he says, don't insult who he is. Discrimination in any form is wrong.

Also, I would like to add that this is very good news. Nobody has addressed young southerners and their role in this election. This indicates that some may vote for Obama. This shows how complex this election is.

[Roy49]

What the? PhDiva, your comment confuses me. An African American defending white southern hillbilly's and rednecks? I actually have no problem with folks, but this guy Toby is two-face hypocrite or can't you see that? One minute he says Obama was talking White in order to get elected. Then he's singing songs about hanging negros. Now you're defending that fool because he turns around and says he's a democrat and supports Obama? Where are your priorities Ms. Thang? Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends... But don't forget this fable: ." Let's try the duck test...

Suppose you see a bird walking around in a farm yard. This bird has no label that says 'duck'. But the bird certainly looks like a duck. Also, he goes to the pond and you notice that he swims like a duck. Then he opens his beak and quacks like a duck. Well, by this time you have probably reached the conclusion that the bird is a duck, whether he's wearing a label or not."

In comparison, Toby Keith walks around looking like a redneck, he certainly dresses like a redneck, and when opens his mouth he even sings and sounds like a redneck...logic would have it - he's a redneck whether he's wearing a label or not! I don't trust him for a second (and that’s that)!

[BronxBorn]

I'm an old hardhat. Worked in Manhattan most of my life. I took a part time in-house job several years ago for the health insurance coverage.
My background isn't exactly what anyone would consider Liberal. But I am, and to the bone.

The last allowable prejudice is towards Blue Collar guys like me. I will tell you this honestly, I don't think I'm any dumber then the pundits on T.V, or, scarier yet, the leaders of our country. As my wife might tell you, that's a bar we don't want to set any lower.

But everyone feels free to tell me what and how I think.
:)

[QueenTiye]

Amen and amen. And this is also from the guy who was getting pounded about the lynching song. I think there's room for a little cross-cultural dialogue -LONG overdue. Mr. Keith might benefit from learning about how we aren't too thrilled about the old lynching days, but I think it's far too simplistic to assume someone is racist just because they reference hanging as a form of corporal punishment....

QT

[Aesthete]

I, too, am African-American and I agree with you 100%. I grew up in an area that was 99.9% white and somewhat economically depressed. My family was the only black family for miles. I recall that some of my white neighbors were called such names and were looked down upon by "better-off" whites. It's makes me uncomfortable to hear ANYONE slammed because of their class, race, or ethnicity. As an African-American, I figure that people who would call someone else names, can't really be liking me all that much either.

[scooperss]

As someone from a ""red neck" and "hillbilly" region I do not, repeat, DO NOT, feel discriminated against. I think that requires a chip on the shoulder to begin with and I don't have one.

[BrianMac]

As a middle age white man who was born and raised in the deep Deep South, I say that it simply requires you to observe circumstances, processes and outcomes. Do you actually believe that all blacks who have been discriminated against for jobs, loans, services, etc. only FEEL they were discriminated against? If so, statistics and simply knowing white employers (at least how some of them make their hiring decisions) would prove you wrong. One may feel a certain way and it may or it may not align with the reality of a situation.

[fieldon13]

Isn't this the same Toby Keith that made the statement on Glenn Beck that Obama was talking White in order to get elected? Wasn't he just a couple of weeks ago badmouthing Obama and now hw's a big fan. Some celebs need to just shut up and take the back seat some time.

[meanguy]

no, actually, he didn't say that...try reading a transcript instead of the spoonfed and edited PuffHo urban legend for a change

[rock2casbah]

He is now subject to the same treatment he instigated against the DCs. I went to a popular country and western site to see their reactionm and sorry to say you are wrong if you think they are persuaded by TK's opinion. They are just as ignorant as they were with the DC's. Now they vow to run over his CD's. All the while talking about "dippin" which I think is chewing tobacco because and then someone called some female entertainer a hillbilly for "dippin". So, so much for thinking TK would bring us all together. LOL!! Good news though after nearly a week there were only 16 comments at the site so I don't think they do much web surfing anyway.

[mary82]

yes, he did say that, are you related to bush?

[KenDuerksen]

This is great! I've got no use for any "New Country" drivel, and I loved it when Dixie Chick Natalie Mains wore that "FUTK" shirt in response to Kieth's attacks (on Letterman?), but this is really good news.

Huge swaths of the "heartland" have absolutely NO radio but harsh right wing talk; crazy-ass religion; and...country music! If the people who love this guy's music hear about his endorsement of Obama that will make a difference in the election.

[deinefreunde]

...just as many as went to see "Fahrenheit 911" when it was endorsed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in 2004? Hm, ... skeptical to say the least...

[DebbieinPhx]

Did you see the video Shut Up and Sing. It was unbelievably good. I hope Natalie and crew are having a good laugh at ol' Toby. That garbage he stirred up, and the flames of hatred he fanned against those poor girls and their families was disgraceful.

[meanguy]

re they going to take their own advice? or is it more of they typical 'do as i say, not as i do' kind of thing?

[BrianMac]

I don't think he's endorsed Obama. He simply said that Obama was a great Democratic choice. He may support McCain even though he's a registered Democrat.

[JonG345]

Repeat after me

Obama:

Right about Iraq.

Right about Afghanistan.

Right for America.

[DebbieinPhx]

Word UP!!!!

[BruinForLife95]

You too, Deb. You must really be feeling bad down in AZ, with Mc Same and all. At least the air is dry there.

[meanguy]

sorry, i tried, but i just keep sneezing-my doctor sez i'm allergic to bull$###

[BruinForLife95]

Wow. I feel bad for you. So you must have really had a hard time for the last eight years of this administration.

Like continuous i.v. of Benadryl type bad.

[QueenTiye]

Obama:

Right about Iraq.

Right about Afghanistan.

Right for America.

QT