http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4076339.ece From Times Online June 5, 2008 Bob Dylan says Barack Obama is 'changin' America Alan Jackson and David Byers His 1964 track 'The Times They are a-Changin' became the anthem for his generation, symbolising the era-defining social struggle against the establishment. Now Bob Dylan - who could justifiably claim to be the architect of Barack Obama's 'change' catchphrase - has backed the Illinois senator to do for modern America what the generation before did in the 1960s. In an exclusive interview with The Times, published in T2 today, Dylan gives a ringing endorsement to Mr Obama, the first ever black presidential candidate, claiming he is "redefining the nature of politics from the ground up". Dylan, 67, made the comments when being interviewed in Denmark, where he stopped over in a hotel during a tour of Scandinavia. Asked about his views on American politics, he said: "Well, you know right now America is in a state of upheaval. Poverty is demoralising. You can't expect people to have the virtue of purity when they are poor. "But we've got this guy out there now who is redefining the nature of politics from the ground up...Barack Obama. "He's redefining what a politician is, so we'll have to see how things play out. Am I hopeful? Yes, I'm hopeful that things might change. Some things are going to have to." He added: “You should always take the best from the past, leave the worst back there and go forward into the future." Dylan's endorsement contains much symbolic significance. The legendary singer-songwriter, who has an art exhibition opening in London next week, became a focal point for young people worldwide when he released the album 'The times they are a-changin'," including the famous song of that name, in 1964. The track, which he wrote as the social liberation of the '60s astonished politicians and parents, included lines urging people to accept and embrace what was happening around them. Memorable lines included: "Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call. Don't stand in the doorway, don't block up the hall," and: "Come mothers and fathers throughout the land, and don't criticise what you can't understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly agin'."
Obama continues to rely on celebrities to fool the voters. What qualifies Bob 'has-been' Dylan to opine on political matters? Nothing. He's a washed up hippie who is clueless. Don't you guys understand this is part of a marketing campaign? It's part of a popularity contest. Aren't you smarter than to be duped by that? What's next, Kobe Bryant's endorsement? Paris Hilton's? Jessica Simpson's? This is just getting ridiculous. WHO FREAKING CARES who Bob the hippie supports? I sure don't. Because I'm a heck of a lot smarter than that doped up clown.
It's worth noting that Dylan has never involved himself in politics before even though his songs were at the center of various political movements.
Get real Batman, that clown was at the epicenter of the anti-war, anti-troops craze from the 60's. It's obvious he's a lib.
So Bats, does Bob the anti-war lunatic's endorsement stir up support among independents or moderates? I think not. It just emboldens the tie-die libs and the libs that live in VW Microbuses and communal villages. The shoppers at Whole Foods on Sunday morning will lift their tofu in celebration!
This is the first time, yes. He's always declined to involve himself in politics. He played at Clinton's inauguration, but he's never openly backed a candidate for anything.
Does McCain's flip flops on taxes, torture, environment, amnesty for telecom communications companies inspire trust in the GOP base? What about his misstatements today regarding his voting in investigating Katrina mismanagement by the Federal govt. under Bush?
Jorge can you please write three paragraphs on the imagery and meaning of the lyrics "Like a Rolling Stone"? tia
Oh thank goodness that the mystery of Bob Dylan's political leanings has been solved! Now if we can just figure out is Paris Hilton is still a virgin!
You have a thing for Paris Hilton, you've mentioned her alot lately. --------- I was noticing today that every remotely artistic person I know is all about Obama. Enthusiastically so. It is interesting, I have never seen that. Bob Dylan giving a crap is interesting not because he is some objective centrist, but because he is a cynical dude with a serious musical sense of justice. It's more demonstrative of Obama having a unique energy and appeal, like him or not.
nearly tripped over paul simon yesterday, just outside china fun on columbus. short little dude. i said, I'm not aware of too many things i know what I know if you know what I mean. he said, hey, Ive got nothing to do today but smile. Da-n-da-n-da-da here I am. the only living boy in new york.
what's awesome is how trader claims to be an elitist while not claiming to be one. you know, he eats with mexican industrialists but he's a man of the people.
People are crazy and times are strange. I'm locked in tight, I'm outta range. I used to care, but things have changed.
honestly as much as I like obama, this isn't thread worthy. its just bob dylan. as a matter of fact, if I was obama i wouldn't play this up at all. it just confirms some suspicions of people who think he's a 60's liberal
