Brad Paisley, Barack Obama and George Washington
I have a list a country mile wide of things I never thought I'd see in my lifetime: A black president. Said president quoting Garth Brooks and Dierks Bentley. Steel guitar and banjo in the White House. A first lady in an outfit I wish was mine. But last night (July 21), the stars aligned and all those things happened, right under the ever-watchful eyes of the George Washington painting on the wall.
If you didn't see it, let me try to paint you a picture. Probably about a hundred lucky, lucky guests sitting around little cocktail tables. Sasha and Malia Obama sitting with their parents. Crystal chandeliers giving the room some much-needed bling. Votive candles on the fireplace mantel. And President Obama going on and on about how important country music is, how he appreciates the broad and indelible impact country has had and how the music captures our restlessness and resilience. I knew I liked him. He even quoted Dierks Bentley's observation that country music is the best shrink $15 can buy.
Alison Krauss & Union Station played first, charming the audience with a dry quiet sense of humor and flawlessly acoustic music. Then came Charley Pride, who grabbed his guitar and said, "I don't pick too well but I can strum." when it came time to play his big hit "Kiss an Angel Good Morning."
When it was Brad Paisley's turn ... wow. Just wow. He had on his white cowboy hat, but other than that was dressed in all black. Very Johnny Cash of him. And just as I suspected, his performance was half sincere country music and half laughfest. He joked about buying the White House drapes to bring with him to his next show and joked about waiting in line to play Pac-Man at Kroger when he was a kid, but then he got dead serious about the stories in his songs.
The cameras kept stealing glimpses of President Obama whispering to his wife. I couldn't hear, but I'm pretty sure he was saying, "I love this. Let's have every night be country music night." Eddie Stubbs, the DJ from Nashville's WSM-AM and host for the night, said it best, though, when he looked at Obama and said, "It only took you six months to get country music to the White House. God bless you, sir."
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Redmaz says:
Nice to hear Americana/Roots Music was represented, and not just Mainstream/Pop.
TierraStudios says:
That must have been a sight to see. I’m glad that President Obama knows what good music is!
janet m says:
Actually I think it was a solar eclipse last night rather than the stars in alignment, Hah! But whatever it was. Hurrah!
Carol says:
Well, since I love Brad Paisley, Alison Krause and Mr Charley Pride, I will be nice and say only this about Obama and this White House, I love Brad Paisley, Alison Krause and Charley Pride! lol
brad lewis says:
Performing for a person that is against virtually all that hard-working, honest Americans that make up the backbone of the economy(and country music) stand for is an atrocity.As a small businessman, I wouldn’t give obama the time of day, much less a song!
TexasCountryfan says:
Look like someone is bitter because a few singers performed for President Obama. Johnny Cash peformed for Richard Nixon even though Cash disagreed strongly with most of Nixon’s policies. Lastly, GOP isn’t the party of common folk or Jackson.
mia says:
The performances were SOO good last night! I loved it, especially Brad Paisley, and Barack Obama’s reactions were great. its so true– 6 months and country music was in the White House! I can’t wait to see when country music will be asked to play again at the White House!
Janetgijoenurse says:
Brad said that he was thankful and happy that President Obama was his kids President.
Janetgijoenurse says:
Tim and Faith will be perfroming there at the White House in November and Faith will be giving a keynote speach to Congress.
Its all about Cancer and Cancer research.
Janetgijoenurse says:
Here is the quote from Brad was also emotional in telling the First Family how happy and proud he was on November 4th that Obama had won. “I’m proud that for my two sons, that you will be their first President.”
peppersprout says:
DJin’ at WSM for several decades now may be his day job, but for those folks who care about the roots of it all, Eddie Stubbs is an iconic country music historian, also … a livin’ legend! … the President & co. were truly honored by his presence as emcee for the evenin’ as well as by the performances of its other very, very talented musical guests.
Tom says:
Very disappointed to see these country stars kiss Obama backside. He reducules everything country music stands for. Obama brags about having Ludacrap and Michael pprdophile Jackson in his I pod, no mention of Paisley
Redmaz says:
He also has Wilco and Tift Merrit on his ipod.
Desiree says:
I agree with Tom…very disappointed in Brad Paisley. Just goes to show regardless if you are star or just plain folks, anybody can fall for anything…
solongsowrong says:
Good observation peppersprout. After Alison, Eddie Stubbs was my favorite part of the show. A true gentleman and Country historian. I remember first seeing him almost 30 years ago, when he was the fiddler and bass singer for the Johnson Mountain Boys.
Kevin R. says:
Don’t get me wrong, I am very happy that this event took place, but I don’t know why you say “I knew I liked him” about president Obama just because he said a few words about country music that he probably didn’t even come up with. I agree with others who say they are disappointed in Brad Paisley. I have always been a fan of his, and always will be. I am not going to just stop liking him and his music because of his beliefs. But if you are happy that someone, who advocates the puncturing of an unborn child’s skull, has ascended to the presidency, I think you are lost.
Janetgijoenurse says:
Hey Tom, who are you to judge, I thought God was the one to judge. How dare you. As for Michael I have multiple songs abd videos on my Ipod of him. I went out and bought a few of his albums that I bought in the 80’s on LP.
You can him any name you want but the fact is he was NEVER proven guilty and unlike you I don’t have the right to judge what’s in a person’s heart.
I have only voted Republican twice, in 1976 and 2008 and I’m proud that Obama is my President and happy to see Brad feels the same way. Its nice to have a President that has some intelligence.
Janetgijoenurse says:
I meant I have only voted Democrat TWICE in 1976 and 2008.
Leeann says:
I like Obama and I like those who performed. But even more, I like the reason for their performances. Michelle Obama’s attempt to highlight diversity music is very admirable.
joeyjojo says:
Amen Kevin R. Very sad.
Kelly says:
I’m always amazed at the people who say they love Alison Krauss and they are true fans, yet they don’t know how to spell her name. She’s only been around for 30 years.
solongsowrong says:
Which is a pretty cool feat, for someone who only turned 38 today!
Jan says:
It never ceases to amaze me how mean hearted people are in their comments. Surely EVERONE should be happy that loves country music and enjoys seeing this lovely family.
Sean says:
Mr. Paisley is simply this: A great Christian person who is unbelievable gifted in multiple ways. Unfortunatly his sheer kindness has led him to be desperate to show that he is tolerant and that country musicians and fans aren’t racist. This is unfortunate because we are now fostering a pure communist solely because he is half black, as the media have preconditioned us to do since the 60’s. Poor Brad is just too nice of a guy to object to this joke of an administration that stands for nothing which true Americans like Brad stand for.
Sean says:
Not to mention, Brad includes what he calls a “gospel” song on every album. A Christian song. Next, he praises a man who has declared, on foreign soil, that America is not a Christian country. The same man who referred to the real Americans as “clinging to their guns and religion”. The media has done this and people like Brad are not to blame. I believe this leaves us hope, however. People like Brad will be smart enough to recognize the evils of communism when they start to appear. In time I suppose.
Todd says:
Brad Paisley was being respectful to the President and his family, because he’s got class. I would never vote for President Obama, and I’m opposed to everything he stands for politically. But, if I were invited to the White House, I would conduct myself in the same manner as Brad. Imagine the reaction had he used that moment to launch into a political rebuke of the President. Just because those on the far left would do it to a conservative President doesn’t make me want to see that from people like Brad Paisley. He’s a class act all the way.
Sean says:
Anyone reading this might also be interested to know that Kimberly Williams Paisley donated to Obama and gave speaches for him during the election. And yes we wouldn’t do to a democrat what they to us, but it’s about time the rest of us realize you can not appease a liberal.
Jay says:
This is extremelty disappointing. Would most whacho leftists sing for a Republican, or even for President Bush? Hell no. Liberals and Democrats are the biggest hypocrites. Obama is hardly a Christian of any kind, sat in a church, if you want to call it that, with a guy, Jeriamiah Wright, who ridiculed America and Jews, and yet Mr. Paisley supports this? Good grief. I’ve never been a Paisley fan anyway. His music just has no zip for my taste to begin with. His material has never done anything for me. I’ll settle for Brooks and Dunn, Big and Rich and Montgomery Gentry. Sorry. I don’t support those who support people like Obama who supports abortion, socialized everything and wants to take our freedoms away. That’s un-American, which is what Obama is. Shame on everyone of those Country music artists who sang for him. I’d spit in the guys face if I could.
Alex says:
I am just wondering how many of you who are yelling about the socialists have kids in public school, support farm subsidies, or use public roads because those are forms of socialism. America has never been a purely capitalistic state; there has always been a little socialism mixed in. To the guy saying our freedoms are being taken away, have you heard of the Patriot Act? Do you know how many of your freedoms it limits or out-right strips? Also, which person sounds like they might understand the problems facing “hard-working, honest Americans”? A man born into an incredibly rich family, never attaining good grades in the colleges he attended soley due to his family name, arrested for DUI and drug possession and leads several businesses to bankruptcy but is all the while supported by wealthy friends or a man who was born to a home with an absent father, supported by his grandparents, pays/earns his way through college and law school, and becomes a community leader in his neighborhood? I don’t think someone can put on a pair of boots and a cowboy hat and suddenly erase the perspective that comes with a lifetime of privilege. I am active duty military and I cheered when Obama won the election because I knew he would not use the military for political gain. He would not send other people to die as a demonstration of how tough he is. For the first time I trust our president with my life. Besides, all of this political stuff is moot anyway because Paisley’s song isn’t about Obama specifically. It is about how the election of a mixed-race president is a symbol of the race-relations progress our country has made.
DB says:
I was very disappointed in Brad Paisley as well. That just goes to show you how popularity can corrupt you. As for the socialistic ideas in America in the past, those have only been used as a necessity. The good thing about what America used to stand for is that it gave great freedom to the private sector. Now that is being taken away to the fullest with nationalized banks, auto industries, and soon to come, health insurance. As for the military force, I don’t quite understand what you mean?? We are still in Iraq, we have drastically cut the military budget and missile defenses, and now we sent 17,000 troops to afghanistan….It doesn’t seem much different than Bush other than the soldiers won’t have the adequate supplies and insurance they need. And yes don’t even get me started on Abortion, I vote pro-life. Point being that the average hard-working, blue collar individuals tend to vote republican because that is who best supports them. That is what country music should represent, as it used to, and this president doesn’t represent anything of the sort.
Zephaniah says:
Very disappointed indeed. I would have politely declined the invitation. I had no idea Paisley supported Obama with such intensity…I certainly hope AKUS doesn’t, but even playing there gives one the impression that they do.
I have always liked Charlie Pride as well especially “All I have to Offer You is Me”.
I truly wish that the first black president could have been a great man, and that it could have happened as a conservative instead of this extreme liberal party that has the power right now.
The audacity and arrogance of the Democrats is sickening right now and hate that so many good people are decieved and blinded by the hysteria…Historic? Yes, but good for America? No.
I think of country music as the heartbeat of grass-roots America and I am deeply disappointed at this sucking up.
Does anyone remember that in the primary, Heart demanded that Sarah Palin stop using “Barracuda”, and Styx demanded McCain stop using their music, and U2 did also…all these entertainers backed the Democrats and demanded that the Republicans not use their music…
Just An American says:
Do you know what some of you sound like? Let me tell you in case you haven’t guessed. You sound like a bunch of whining babies! I am so tired of hearing you whine and cry. Tough if you don’t like our President. I couldn’t stand George Bush or any of his cronies, but I put up with him for 8 years while watching our country sink further and further into debt. President Obama will clean up the mess that the Bush Administration left us, as Clinton did when he was elected.
You have had your day in the sun, now let’s get on with turning this country back to the way it should be and we don’t need a REPUBLICAN to do it!
ErikW says:
I love your music Brad Paisley,
I’m just disappointed that you would support a President that ignores the Constitution.
Alex says:
DB - you don’t understand what I meant about the military because you haven’t read any of the budget recommendations made by Gates (who was appointed by Bush) several months ago. The biggest cuts were in several existing R&D programs that were extremely over budget and had produced nothing, the best example is the Multiple Kill Vehicle program headed by Lockheed (go look it up). Gates suggested we drop these programs because they are a drain on the budget and divert the money into direct support of the troops (ex. body armor that several of my friends had to purchase with their meager military salaries under the previous administration), expanding the unmanned vehicle programs (so fewer troops had to be in harms way) and increasing benefits to active duty military and veterans (such as improving the atrocious conditions of Walter Reed Hospital). The Defense budget actually increased over last year; the difference is that there is more money going to support the troops and their families and less to private contractors through useless programs. The real point is that most average hard-working, blue collar people vote republican because they are too busy to really investigate what they are being sold when some politian says they “support the troops” or any other of the equally meaningless sound-bite phrases most politician use to talk without saying anything. Besides, did you forget the bank bailout happened under a republican’s watch? Or that the Bush administration “forgot” to implement any oversight on the bailout money which led to all those bonuses and extremely large severances to the executives who were responsible for all of this? But back to Brad Paisley, what country music represents to me are simple values like taking care of your family and neighbor and supporting those who protect us which is exactly what our president has done in his first 7 months. Please, if you see this and are going to respond, go to OMB and take a look at this year’s proposed budget and compare it to the last several years.
danny says:
amen, alex.
Graymalkin says:
Country isn’t country anymore. It has become a conglomerate of “artists” more than willing to do whatever it takes to “prove” their diversity and political correctness in exchange for hefty paychecks and glamor.
Anyone who knows any of the facts of the War Between the States and the terrorism and tyranny of the Lincoln administration would be dismayed as to how a “country artist” could glorify Lincoln and allude to the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Nashville is essentially run by ultra-liberals with marketing degrees and powerpoint PREE-sentations.
Country used to be the music of the common folk; predominantly good, hardworking Southern people. You know - the folks Obama’s administration calls “right-wing extremists” for believing in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The folks democrats in congress and the liberal media call “swastika-waving lunatics” for daring to stand up to dictatorial policies at town hall meetings. The ones The Messiah himself criticized as “clinging to the guns and their religion.”
And you are willing to hand over your hard-earned money to the Nashville and CMT liberal Music Czars because the pablum they produce has a good beat and you can (line) dance to it.
Saul Alinsky would be quite proud if he knew just how well his infiltration and indoctrination philosophies have worked - even in the last bastion of conservative roots, country music.
Ah, but being a conservative and disagreeing with Obama makes one a “racist,” doesn’t it? Compare Bush to Hitler for eight years, and it’s clever. Recognize Obama’s policies as socialist, and you’re a racist (despite Obama’s admitted affinity for Marxist professors at Harvard).
This isn’t country. It’s liberalism passed off as country in a touchy-feely, big-group-hug kinda way. Marxism softly swooned in a Southern accent, with steel guitars and fiddles for ambiance.
There’s real, honest-to-God country out there, but you’ll rarely hear it. The content doesn’t pass the tests for diversity, political correctness and the advancement of progressive politics.
Interesting that Japanese musicians playing country music in a club in Japan have a Confederate flag on the wall. I only hope they recognize it as a symbol of a proud people fighting to defend their homeland from invasion and tyranny, and don’t fall for the falsehood that it is a “racist symbol.”
I wonder why Mr Paisley and the Nashville Czars let those scenes go uncut? Particularly with Paisley lip-syncing before the Odin-like statue of the Tyrant himself?
Nashville has become merely a cog in the machinery of progressive politics. And you’re doing as expected: accepting without question.
Enjoy your Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and Sugarland.
I’ll stick to real country, that celebrates it’s heritage.
“People separated from their history are easily persuaded.”
~ Karl Marx
Bob of Burke (VA) says:
Anyone who thinks that Obama (agree with him or not) is either a communist, advocates ‘puncturing an unborn child’s skull,’ or is an enemy of working class folks has simply let his prejudices preclude any concern for facts. That a country star recognizes how far we’ve come since Jim Crow [you know, Graymalkin's golden age] is important. Some people just can’t stand the idea of Americans getting along with each other.
Evan says:
Amen Alex, and thank you for your service to our country…and for your well thought comments. Whatever happened to looking at all sides of an issue BEFORE you form an opinion? Aparently Alex and Bob of Burke have still got it, but it seems like too many people today want to think of the world as black and white, good and evil, and run with the easiest answers.
You won’t always agree with our president, or Brad Paisley, but both continue to demonstrate a thoughtfulness that is bound to push boundaries and expectations…right and left.
Besides, he’s only 6 months into his term and like the classy Eddie Stubbs said, he’s already brought country music to the White House. Give the guy a break.
Anthony says:
What a disappointment Paisley is to all true Country music fans. I don’t believe some of the people that made comments are country music fans at all, and for those of you that say you are dissappointed but will continue to support these singers need to think again. Why would you support someone that’s just going to take the money they make off of you and back liberial politicians. One more thing that always bothers me is ; why do people always bring their kids up when they backing someone that pro choice? As far as I’m concerned Paisley and all the rest of these liberial singers can go hang out with the dixie C’s ( my hands want let me finish the word). By the way I WAS a hugh B. Paisley fan.
danny says:
viva la dixie chicks.
Christian says:
It seems to me that Brad Paisley wants to celebrate the first African American president, it has nothing to do with political ideology.
Quotes from Northwest Herald (McHenry County Illinois):
“I’m getting into some subjects that don’t come up very often in country music, like racism, and I think it’s time”
“I felt like in country music, we’re the first ones to write about some kind of conflict, or war, and yet we shy away from these other topics, like equal rights.”
“I wanted to get the emotion of it without being the least bit preachy. Republican or Democrat, on November 4 you had to be moved.”
“We tend to be a Republican format [Joe Galante, chairman of Sony Music Nashville, the parent company of Paisley's label, Arista Nashville]. He’s reaching out a little differently with this one, so it is a little riskier than normal.”
Darren says:
This is the MOST upsetting thing to me. Brad Paisley was my ALL-TIME favorite country performer, but after reading this, I will NEVER buy another Brad Paisley CD again. One of the MAIN reason I love country music SO MUCH is because of the artists. They are so down-to-earth, genuine, and normally free of the liberal tendencies that seem to plague pop and rock artists. I NEVER, even for a second, thought that Brad Paisley would be happy to have a liberal, Pro-Death president for his sons.
Christian says:
Darren: Agree it is very disappointing. It was after all Brad Paisley who wrote the anthem of the anti-celiberal movement, his 2003 hit single “Celebrity”. He started singing at the Glen Dale United Methodist Church. His first “gig” was at a Church picnic. His first song was a Christmas Gospel song, “Born on Christmas Day”. He attended Belmont University, a Christian University in Nashville. He sang “The Old Rugged Cross” the night he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry; he did another recording of this song for the 2008 GAC television special “How Great Thou Art; Gospel Favorites Live from the Grand Ole Opry”. He sang a duet with Sara Evans, “New Again”, for the Passion of the Christ Soundtrack. He has recorded many more gospel songs through the years. He has written a song about the War on Christmas, “Kung Pao Buckaroo Christmas”. And he has written and/or sang many more pro-family, pro-marriage, conservative songs.
Christian says:
Of course there is nothing wrong about celebrating the first African American President, which is what Brad Paisley is trying to do with his song. I just hope he doesn’t agree with Barack Obama’s political views.
Darren says:
Christian, I agree 100% with everything you stated. And you’re right, with ALL the songs you mentioned that Brad was a part of, that celebrate christian and conservative views, how can he be SO PROUD of a president that is against all of that. By the way, I LOVE “Kung Pao Buckaroo Christmas,” what a GREAT song.
Christian says:
Darren, for some nice Brad Paisley interviews, search for (on youtube):
brad paisley route 66
brad paisley who needs pictures
brad paisley old rugged cross opry
He sure ain’t no Madonna or Ludacris!
Jack says:
I am very disappointed in Brad Paisley. Liked a few of his songs, but he’s never been true country anyway. He probably became liberal from being Married to a Hollywood actress. You can tell he’s whooped and she runs the show. I’m sure he would believe whatever she wants him to. I won’t listen to any song of his again.
John says:
People are going to stop enjoying an artist’s music because he supports the president? That’s just sad.
Love Brad, Alison, and Charlie. And love a lot of the country musicians who supported for our recent Republican President.
Everyone’s got a right to their politics. If you can’t respect a person because they voted for a different person than you, you need to grow some maturity.
Alyson says:
I don’t think there is anything wrong about him celebrating that an african american became president. Don’t get me wrong, I REALLY don’t like obama, but this is still something that is monumental. I still like brad paisley, I think he’s a very good artist.
Jeff says:
Brad should have included Rev Wright screaming at the top of his lungs: US of KKK-A. That would have brought home the leftwing kumbayaism. No?
Christian says:
It seems that Brad Paisley is “staunchly moderate”:
‘Paisley seemed momentarily taken aback when asked if he was one of the rare country music stars who publicly admits to being a Democrat.
“No, I’m staunchly moderate,” he said. “I’m conservative on some issues and liberal on others. I don’t like the extremes on either side. I didn’t like it when they bashed President Bush and I don’t like it when they bash Obama.”’
- Brad Paisley believes in the power of positive thinking, The San Diego Union Tribune, October 1, 2009
Bobby says:
Sad people who used to be Brad fans. Yeah if you loved Brad as much as you said you would you’d not let this shake you in the least. You’re not a fan and never was.
My point, I’m liberal, but I still listen to Brooks & Dunn on occasion and who was it they voted for? Why I think it was our last President, George W. WOW, I must be a turn coat, huh?
as Brad said: “I’m conservative on some issues and liberal on others. I don’t like the extremes on either side. I didn’t like it when they bashed President Bush and I don’t like it when they bash Obama.”’
I think we could all learn a little something from that comment.
Elaine says:
It was very sad to see Brad Paisley, “Kissin Obama’s butt.” I would be proud to have a Black president, or any race if they had conservative values, and loved America. I just don’t see it with this prez.
Adam says:
Whether or not he agrees with Obama’s politics, Brad Paisley’s appearance at the White House was probably more self-promotion than anything else. Without money there would be no country music, and without promotion there would be no money. That’s marketing plain and simple.
But suppose he does like Obama. So what? You identified with his lyrics before, but now you’re forcing yourself to dislike him. All of you are acting like children, envious because your friend went on a playdate at some other kid’s house.
Look, I’m pretty liberal but I don’t stop listening to someone just because they associate with someone I disagree with … or even if they state opinions I disagree with. Take Garth Brooks for example. He’s a great singer, and he voiced his conservative opinions in his song “American Honky Tonk Bar Association”. That’s his right and I respect him for it. If you liked Brad Paisley before, keep liking his music. It feels good to stay open minded about things, even if it’s just a song about life and people’s changing attitudes in society.
Ashley says:
I have been a huge fan of Brad Paisley for many years. It breaks my heart that I can never support his music again. -A True Conservative
Robert says:
What’s the matter with you people? When you abandon someone’s music because you don’t agree with their politics, you cheat yourself. Do you abandon friends and family if they vote differently than you — or just if they vote for a black man? I guess I must love music more than I do politics.
Christian says:
Adam: The reason why for instance George Strait is so popular is perhaps mainly because he is a good singer but also because he has some good conservative Texas values. These things matter.
I also found out some time ago that Brad Paisley appears in a “Snoop Dogg” “music” video! Brad even lists the video as a favorite on his youtube account. This is even worse than the flirt with Barack Obama. “Snoop Dogg” is a gangster, a low-life criminal thug. Brad Paisley has lost touch with reality completely. Why is it so difficult for these celebrities to stand up for family values and good moral? How hard can it be?
skip says:
Nashville becomes Hollywood,CMT becomes MTV and traditional American values become smaller in the rear view mirror on our trip down the highway that leads to the new “progressive” America. This is NOT good.
Christian says:
skip: Murder on Music Row, George Strait and Alan Jackson. This song says it all.
Adam says:
Well Christian, like I said, I don’t stop listening to someone just because they associate with someone I disagree with.
George Strait’s music never resonated with me so much, unfortunately. Maybe I’m showing my youth here but the couple of songs they did play from his records sounded a little bland to me. I guess some acts are always going to be more popular in Texas, y’know? But, disregarding that. Suppose one day you found out that George Strait wasn’t … er, strait, if you know what I mean. Or that he robbed a bank or something. Would you still like his music?
Chris says:
I’ve seen a lot of comments on here about people being disappointed with Brad Paisley for (seemingly) supporting Barrack Obama. I must say I do agree. I’ve been very disappointed with supposed “Country musicians” lately doing things outside of Country music’s “character.” Country has a traditional, Christian, somewhat conservative, background…with people like Brad Paisley supporting Obama, Taylor Swift wanting to collaborate with Rap musicians, I’m starting to wonder who is a real/sincere Country Musician anymore.
Yes, I still like (most of) Brad Paisley’s music, but that is it. As long as he keeps that liberal trash out of his music, then I’m fine. “Welcome to the Future,” could be considered as being inspired by “Obama,” so maybe I won’t/don’t quite like that song anymore, but the rest of it I do. I’m glad there are other individuals like myself who will hold country musicians to a standard, which most people don’t due to them becoming so liberal and no longer having a back-bone.
To everybody on here who actual has a set of morals, values, and beliefs, keep it up. As for the guy being in the Military who supports Obama, I’ve seen just as much “BS” with Obama and Bush, that’s just the military and why I’m not a big fan of it, more specifically the Marine Corps.
Thomas says:
Wow you guys are crazy. Brad Paisley was your favorite performer and you loved him so much, but now you hate him because he performed for Obama? So what. Get over it. He’s an entertainer, not a politician. You listen to his music because you can relate to his music, it touches you. It doesn’t matter what political party somebody belongs to. Goodness. Ohhhh you can’t listen to him anymore because you’re Christian and I guess God said you’ll burn in hell for enjoying somebody’s music if the artist disagrees with you. I’m gay, atheist, and liberal, but I love country music. Especially Brad. I know many country artists are conservative, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying their music. They’re not pushing it down my throat, telling me to hate pro-choice, hate gay people, and that I need to believe in God. Country music is more respectful of people’s differences. It’s the fans who are the hateful ones.
Heartland Patriot says:
@TexasCountryfan:
Yeah, I know this is a “dead thread”, but I have to ask you, or anyone else who may read these comments, if you REALLY think that the Democrat Party cares one darned whit about regular country folks and working class people…if you do, YOU are one of VI Lenin’s useful 1d10ts. Those Democrats are nothing but a bunch of ivory-tower, “I’m better that you and I KNOW IT” elitists who want to tell you what kind of food you can eat and take any hard working person’s money away and give it to a drugged out deadbeat. Them POS can KISS MY WORKING CLASS BUTT, them and Karl Marx with his half-ass ZZ Top wanna be beard. I don’t think the Republican Party loves me or anything, but they at least leave me the HECK ALONE…and that’s good enough for me, a simple mechanic.
Dolores Bright says:
I’m very disappointed in Brad Paisley! How he could overlook all the negative things Obama has done and said in the past 2 years is beyond me! From disgracing the Constitution to apologizing to our enemies for us is unforgivable. Obviously Paisley agrees with him and because he does, I will NO longer go to a Brad paisley concert or buy his cd’s! The ones I do have will either get thrown away or sold to a used cd store. Toby Keith was always my favorite anyway! He’s a true PATRIOT!and loves this country! Paisley could have refused to perform if he didn’t agree, but his asskissing proves otherwise.
Coach Irf says:
Umm…Dolores…hate to burst your bubble, but Toby Keith voted for President Obama as well.
Is he still your favorite?? Is he any less of a “true patriot” just because he doesn’t share your political beliefs?
Gotta love the close-minded ignorance posted on this board.
Amy says:
Wow. The comments on here started off so thoughtful and then just turned to a ridiculous bashfest completely void of critical thinking.
First, Brad Paisley did not change his political views in order to play for President Obama. He has always had them. I don’t understand how it’s a disappointment? Going even further than that, to hate him and refuse to buy his music because he performed for the legitimately elected president of the United States?! I don’t care who is in that office, the office itself should be respected. If I had any musical talent and Bush had requested I performed, I would have done it in a heartbeat because I love my country and have respect for the role of the President.
I didn’t even vote for Obama but don’t know where some of these ridiculous accusations come from. Musicians aren’t politicians. They are not obligated to vote a certain way to please a constituency. While in a business sense they have to make careful choices, it is not a character flaw if they disagree with you.
Finally, it is absolutely ridiculous and small minded to think that everyone is either 100% liberal or 100% conservative and that in order to be a country music fan or country artist you can’t have any liberal views. What an incredibly anti-American idea. First of all, look at Willie Nelson and the other outlaws. Dolly Parton supports gay marriage (which is debatable as to whether or not that’s a liberal or conservative view). Even the legends don’t fit into a little political box. I come from a military family full of democrats, and have different views on different issues. Who am I? I’m a proud American, a country music fan, and an Obama supporter. I’m all three and damn proud of it.