Billy Joel: Change of Heart and an Obama Endorsement

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I enjoy reading the comments about "god" and being bullied into a healthcare plan, since they're all incredibly subjective. The majority of Americans wanted a healthcare plan, and it was actually Bob Dole's plan from the 90s.
Billy Joel is a man who mustered his own talents and abilities. He's an amazing musician, composer, pianist, and human being. While it's great that he maintained his neutrality for such a long time, it was also fine for him to come out of that neutrality. It's his choice.
Some of you just want something like "your take on the 'State of the Union'" because you want to justify what you already believe. Kind of unnecessary, huh?

Bob Dole of KS 1:16AM February 29, 2012

One year and three months into this administration and any optimism I had about positive change is gone. Even though the election did not go the way I voted, I chose to hope for the best. The changes we are experiencing are anti-American and I dare say this country will never recover during my lifetime. We've been bullied into a healthcare plan that most Americans did not want. More and more jobs are being outsourced. Jobs that are being created cannot compare to the jobs that have been shipped out of this country. Americans who are spending money on goods and services are generally dissatisfied with both. And many people who supported the current administration are cringing at deeply regretting their decision.
Billy Joel has engaged personally and through his music in the social issues in this country. I have always viewed him as an "all American" man who has seemingly stayed true to his origins and his family. Billy, please write some songs about the mess this country is in.
The mature fan listens to the words in your songs and can relate to the messages of most of them at some level. I'd love to hear your take on "State of the Union".

Kathy Kopito of FL 1:15PM April 07, 2010

Here's the real Dante quote (Inferno, canto iii.35): This way of wretchedness/Belongs to the unhappy souls of those/Who lived without being blamed or applauded.

Rol of DC 6:27PM October 31, 2008

Intellectuals and composers are unlikely to be politically inclined. Basically, having absolutely NO common sense! It's not about, can't satisfy everyone, it's about a huge disappointment in Billy Joel's lack of public quality care. God gave him so much and yet, he gives nothing in return . . . but poor judgement.
McCain / Palin . . . 2008

Sherrie Peacock of VA 3:59AM October 26, 2008

in what way, Nikki?
I AGREE WITH STEVE.

nancylizza of CA 11:46PM October 25, 2008

As many message board posts as I've read, I have yet to see a McSame/Failin supporter post anything regarding the policies or integrity of their choice. No, it's only the same tired, fear-based, hate-mongering.
Give it a rest. The entire world wants to like and respect us again - the entire world is rooting for Obama! You go Billy Joel!

Pamela of PA 7:53AM October 25, 2008

The liberal left never ceases to amaze me.
Everybody gets OLD- and "only the good die young"
McCain's mother is 96 and going full steam.
Obama's father DIED of alcoholism YOUNG.
Obama's mother- died young of cancer.
Obama smokes. And did cocaine and God know what else- but his own admission.
And for sexism- get off Governor Palin's wardrobe- Hillary had those hideous "designer" pantsuits donated to her (at $6,000 a pop- Those dems really know how to work the system!"
Elitists- looking down their noses at EVERYONE.
It's about experience- and McCain-Palin has it all over Obama-
It's also about the comapny you keep- and the list of haters and Marxists and anti-American people who hate white people (and anyone else who doesn't subscribe to Black Liberation Theology. Start with angry Michelle and work your way through Rev. G.D. AmeriKKKA Wright, Ayres, Fleuger- the best goes on.
And the MSM just keeps sweeping this under the rug- as Barry throughs his homeys under the bus.
Too bad Joel decided to participate in this fundraiser.
Doesn't he know that Obama's Million Man March buddy, Louis Farrakahn- Leader of Islam- says that Judaism is a gutter religion. And Iran has their nukes point at Israel to wipe them off the map? And Iran's "Achmed -I Need a Dinner Jacket" says the holocaust never happened?
And then there is Joe "The Human Gaffe Machine" Biden- who is a gasbag with no end to his embarrasing remarks- and no one ASKS questions??? What UP??? "An Obama presidency would "invite a generated global "something?"
A terror attack>
Iran attacking Israel?
Russia?
Tell us what you know, Joe !!!
So glad Joel decided- too late- to not get involved in this mess.
Hope that anyone who's political ideas were "swayed by" a very talented, national treasure of a musician- whom I love- will do some "due diligence"- (Code words for stop drinking the Kool Aid.)

Alec "clinging to my guns and religion with my racist redneck friends in PA of PA 7:49PM October 24, 2008

I respect Billy Joel's take on celebrity endorsement, although I disagree with his choice in breaking his long-standing position on offering his own.
Of course, if he'd have backed McCain, I'd be defending him, so . . .
Your entitled to your political preference, Mr. Joel. And I'm glad you understand that it is just that - YOUR political preference.

Rob Purdie of FL 1:34PM October 24, 2008

The far left has lost all grip on reality... They think that Fox News is a mouth organ for the right. When the truth is that, the far left is so completely over the edge of reason, they can no longer even discern truth or objectivity.
Indeed, this is what comes of facile, subjective, liberal, progressive thought and pseudo intellectual snobbery.

R.L.Schaefer of CA 11:09AM October 24, 2008

Why is it that otherwise sensible people would support Mclame with his flip-flops, knee-jerk reactions, and hotheadedness? If that wasn't enough, he picks a dimwit for VP (no she is not intelligent or experienced no matter how much SHE thinks she is), who lies only when speaking, cannot communicate in fluent English, has no intellectual curiosity, or experience besides mayor of podunk & short-term Gov. of Mooseland, and was found GUILTY of misuse of power & ethics violations by a strongly Republican investigation? If she was a Dem., FOX would be having a field day with this. If that wasn't enough their whole campaign is based on Rovian lies, deceipt, and avoidance of the facts. On every major issue, economic, taxes, foreign policy, Iraq, he is IDENTICAL to Bush. CAN WE REALLY AFFORD 4 MORE YEARS OF ABUSE OF POWER, TORTURE, LIES, & SECRET GOINGS ON OF WHICH ONLY A SELECT FEW IMBECILES ARE PRIVY? Does it not say something when many respected Rep. & conservative commentators are switching to Obama? Wake up, it's not too late to learn the facts, and they don't bode well for anyone but the millionaires & corporations if McLame is elected, just like Bush. Anyone who says otherwise should check our national debt, the stock market, housing prices, and our standing around the world. Are these coincidences?

crossroads of NJ 10:54AM October 24, 2008