Bruce Springsteen sings and talks of ‘a better America’ at Clinton rally

by JAY LUSTIG
Bruce Springsteen performed at a rally for Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia, Monday night.

Bruce Springsteen performed at a rally for Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia, Monday night.

Proclaiming, of presidential candidate Donald Trump, “That campaign is going down!,” Bruce Springsteen showed his support of Hillary Clinton at a rally at Independence Mall in Philadelphia Monday night, playing a three-song set before Clinton as well as President Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton spoke.

He played solo, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. He started with “Thunder Road,” then made a long speech explaining his reasons for supporting Clinton (see below), noodling on his guitar as he spoke. He then continued with “Long Walk Home” and “Dancing in the Dark.”

“Let’s get out there and vote tomorrow!” he said after “Dancing in the Dark.”

Bon Jovi performed earlier in the evening, with his set including The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” and a slowed-down, soulful version of “Livin’ on a Prayer.” According to C-SPAN, he was planning to fly with Clinton to a campaign stop later Monday night in Raleigh, N.C.

Here is the the speech Springsteen made:

The choice tomorrow couldn’t be any clearer.

Hillary’s candidacy is based on intelligence, experience, preparation, and on an actual vision of an America where everyone counts: men and women, white and black, Hispanic and native. Where folks of all faiths and backgrounds can come together to address our problems in a reasonable and thoughtful way.

That vision of America is essential to sustain, no matter how difficult its realization. Hillary sees an America where the issue of income distribution should be at the forefront of our national conversation, where the progress we have made in reducing unemployment is not enough. We must do better. She has a vision of universal healthcare for all that will build on the work of President Obama. She sees an America that needs to be fairer, where our highest courts look to protect the rights of all of our citizens, and not just the privileged. She sees an America where the issue of immigration reform is dealt with realistically and compassionately. She calls for an America that participates in the welfare of our planet, both in world affairs and in global science, and where the unfinished business of protecting the rights of women is not an afterthought but a priority. This is country where we are indeed — and we will indeed — be stronger together.

Now briefly, to address her opponent: This is a man whose vision is limited to little beyond himself, who had the profound lack of decency that would allow him to prioritize his own interests and ego before American democracy itself. Somebody who would be willing to damage our long-cherished and -admired system rather than look to himself for the reasons behind his own epic failure. That’s unforgivable.

Tomorrow, those ideas and that campaign is going down! Let’s all do our part so we can look back on 2016 and say, “We stood with Hillary Clinton on the right side of history.” That’s why I’m standing here with you tonight, for the dream of a better America.

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2 comments

Nancy cline November 7, 2016 - 9:42 pm

rock on boss and welcome Madame President

Reply
Ben Franklin November 8, 2016 - 9:34 am

Income redistribution? What is this ? Friggin Russia
?

Reply

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