From the Stage at the Vote For Change Rally in Philadelphia

The following are my comments from the stage at yesterday's Vote For Change rally in Philadelphia:

Hello Philly,

I am glad to be here today for this voter registration drive and for Barack Obama, the next president of the United States.

I've spent 35 years writing about America, its people, and the meaning of the American Promise. The Promise that was handed down to us, right here in this city from our founding fathers, with one instruction: Do your best to make these things real: opportunity, equality, social and economic justice, a fair shake for all of our citizens, the American idea, as a positive influence, around the world for a more just and peaceful existence. These are the things that give our lives hope, shape, and meaning. They are the ties that bind us together and give us faith in our contract with one another.

I've spent most of my creative life measuring the distance between that American promise and American reality. For many Americans, who are today losing their jobs, their homes, seeing their retirement funds disappear, who have no healthcare, or who have been abandoned in our inner cities, the distance between that promise and that reality has never been greater or more painful.

I believe Senator Obama has taken the measure of that distance in his own life and in his work. I believe he understands, in his heart, the cost of that distance, in blood and suffering, in the lives of everyday Americans. I believe as president, he would work to restore that promise to so many of our fellow citizens who have justifiably lost faith in its meaning. After the disastrous administration of the past 8 years, we need someone to lead us in an American reclamation project. In my job, I travel the world, and occasionally play big stadiums, just like Senator Obama. I've continued to find, wherever I go, America remains a repository of people's hopes, possibilities, and desires, and that despite the terrible erosion to our standing around the world, accomplished by our recent administration, we remain, for many, a house of dreams. One thousand George Bushes and one thousand Dick Cheneys will never be able to tear that house down.

They will, however, be leaving office, dropping the national tragedies of Katrina, Iraq, and our financial crisis in our laps. Our sacred house of dreams has been abused, looted, and left in a terrible state of disrepair. It needs care; it needs saving, it needs defending against those who would sell it down the river for power or a quick buck. It needs strong arms, hearts, and minds. It needs someone with Senator Obama's understanding, temperateness, deliberativeness, maturity, compassion, toughness, and faith, to help us rebuild our house once again. But most importantly, it needs us. You and me. To build that house with the generosity that is at the heart of the American spirit. A house that is truer and big enough to contain the hopes and dreams of all of our fellow citizens. That is where our future lies. We will rise or fall as a people by our ability to accomplish this task. Now I don't know about you, but I want that dream back, I want my America back, I want my country back.

So now is the time to stand with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, roll up our sleeves, and come on up for the rising.

Here is the video:

Comments

[RoXXanne]

"Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse..?"

I've been contemplating over this line from one of your songs (The River) a LOT over the past eight years, Bruce...

[sinhan]

Bruce- you are not only a great musician and a true representative of the best of our generation (the middle aged population now) but also an inspiration to the next generation. I hope they will carefully listen to your words (and not only your music) and set their sights on something bigger than just money, power and self-interest. May God bless America and you.

[Jigglypuff]

I love what you said Mr. Springsteen:
"Our sacred house of dreams has been abused, looted, and left in a terrible state of disrepair. It needs care; it needs saving, it needs defending against those who would sell it down the river for power or a quick buck. It needs strong arms, hearts, and minds. It needs someone with Senator Obama's understanding, temperateness, deliberativeness, maturity, compassion, toughness, and faith, to help us rebuild our house once again. But most importantly, it needs us. You and me. To build that house with the generosity that is at the heart of the American spirit."
Thank you.

[reader110]

Thank you for your words, your music, your spirit and your commitment to our country.

[MsDebate]

Bruce this rocks, that's what this is all about. Joining in and doing your part, I love it!!!!

[extrahats]

Thanks Bruce. You're the best. Thanks for all the music, the latest tour and your efforts for Obama.

[Interested Party]

Wonderful, thank you Bruce, just when you were needed.

[cinthia7]

Thank u so much for your amazing thoughtful and beautiful commentary. We will get beyond this dark moment in American History.

[Owlygirl]

It has always blown my mind that a single endorsement by Bruce Springsteen is not enough to get anyone elected for anything at anytime. Who could listen to him and not believe he's got a flag painted on his heart? Bruce is all about America. The best of it!

[txgal44]

I love you Bruce.

[enochroot]

Bruce for President in 2016 ;-)

[OurKoan]

Read the words of this great American artist; read the words of the posters here---and then just try to not feel an upwelling of anger when you hear Palin suggest that Obama (and by extension, his supporters) do not LOVE America! Un-bee-leevable.

[doublesvb]

Bruce, you are so da man.

Yesterday in Philly was fantastic. 50k people there to hear your words and inspire us to do the right thing (the only thing) and elect Barack Obama.

Your lyrics are so right on. We love you, Bruce.

[jukesgrrl]

How is it possible that this person has to live in the same world as Karl Rove? What's wrong with us?

[acslaterson]

Great performance today at OSU! I was happy that you played Youngstown (I am originally from there). I am a history major and quoted your song in a 14 page paper I wrote about the steel mills and the de-industrialization that followed. I just wanted to thank you for your time and what you are doing for the Obama campaign.

[wezeppem]

I, too, saw Bruce at OSU yesterday. Literally teared up during "Promised Land" and "The Rising." Thank you, Bruce, for giving your time and talent to this cause. You are an American treasure.

[JJ30]

Wow! I'm orginally from Y-town! Shout out to you!

I'm glad Bruce is getting out there and supporting the only real person who can turn this country around! Thank you Bruce for all that you do.