Little Pink Senate Chamber for John Mellencamp?
John Mellencamp may ride an Internet wave of support all the way to the United States Senate. That is, if he wants it.
Over 3,500 people (and counting) have joined the "Draft John Mellencamp for Senate" Facebook group, and some prominent political analysts believe that a Mellencamp campaign could result in him replacing Indiana Democratic Senator Evan Bayh, who recently announced he will not seek re-election.
Mellencamp is a "voice for working people and a champion of farmers," stated Brent Budowsky of 'The Hill,' touting the rocker's populist credibility. "[He's] one of the great advocates of small-town America," he added.
The Indiana-born Mellencamp has already engaged in political fisticuffs with the Republican political machine, which may prove his toughness to doubters. His representatives demanded that John McCain refrain from using Mellancamp's hits 'Our Country' and 'Pink Houses' during the 2008 Presidential campaign.
Although a lack of practical experience is usually a challenge in electoral contests, recent changes in the political landscape could work in Mellencamp's favor.
"The only good news is that with the Republicans cozying up to all sorts of untested Tea Party oddballs, it would be hard for conservative pundits to engage in any of their customary celeb-bashing if Mellencamp were to actually throw his hat in the ring," writes Patrick Goldstein of the L.A. Times. "In politics, this is the year of the amateur," he adds, although he does have doubts about Mellencamp's electability. Katrina vanden Heuvel, an editor of 'The Nation,' believes that Democrats need a "populist candidate" like Mellencamp to keep Bayh's seat in the Republican-leaning state of Indiana
Representatives for Mellencamp could not be reached for comment.
Other famous Hoosiers that could make the run for Senate include David Letterman, Larry Bird, wrestler-author Mick Foley, David Lee Roth and La Toya Jackson.
Mellencamp, 58, is beloved for his rootsy, heartland rock that focuses on issues like poverty, politics, racism and mortality. He has earned over 22 Top 40 hits and sold over 40 million albums worldwide. He co-founded 'Farm Aid' to highlight the plight of family farmers and to raise money to allow them to remain on their land. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2008.
Who Should Play Christian & Anastasia In 'Fifty Shades Of Grey'?
Mad Men: When Is a Big Reveal Not So Revealing?
Add a comment
Love his music, but like a lot of music people he is an Obama supporter. It is my opinion that if you speak out against Obama you will be ostracized in the music and Hollywood circles and this will kill your career.
Reply
Its John Cougar Mellencamp.
Mickey -- He dropped the 'Cougar' 100 years ago! What rock do you live under?
Nice headline: "Little Pink Senate Chamber". Makes the guy sound like a girl in pink lace bloomers - or Barbie's next "Dream House'.
I hope this guy doesn't even consider running for anything but retirement! And WHAT are you people thinking who say Springstein should run for anything other than retirement with Mellancamp? Nope, nope, we do NOT need another liberal moron in the Senate or anywhere else, especially another (so called) entertainer.
mickey - He dropped the Cougar 100 years ago, smarty pants.
We do not need another old washed up entertainer in any office, especially another dang liberal! Haven't they done enough damage yet? Obviously they have since they've already lost seats in MA, VA, and NJ that I know of. Somewhere out there is a true American who would run this country FOR the people and not for their own agendas and pocket lining, but Mellencamp it's NOT! Please do us a favor and DO NOT run! With the shape this country is in he'd lose anyway so why waste votes?
John Mellancamp senator & Bruce Springstien for president why not at least they are white
Reply
You are a very sad, frighten person.
:(
mellencamp is actualy part native american indian !
It does not matter the color of their skin
You still think like it's the early 1900's. Your so sad you should be ashamed.
Stick to singing Johnny....tired of all these actors and singers who think that their fame gives them the know how to be in politics.
Reply
does that include reagan and arnold schwarzenegger vicki or are they excluded 'cause theyre republicans?
As people age, they usually grow up and start to see the struggles of people around them(or should). It does not matter what work field they are in. If everyone would sit back and reflect; see the problems that need to be remedied. It does not matter who you are, what matters is you really care; to do something about it.
vicki
I'm tired of draft dodgers like bush & cheney getting elected too
Where do these celebrities get their egos? hell, most of them proboably never finished high school, let alone any education to run ANYTHING. Being popular doesn't mean you have any brains
Reply
Ummm...if you read it, the Facebook group elected him,it was NOT
his idea.
Just because you are a politician doesn't mean you have any brains. Look at the mess this country is in with all the Harvard Grads. Let someone with values get elected and don't worry about their education.
"Proved his toughness"? Telling John McCain not to use his songs? OOOOOHHHHH I'm scared !!!
"Recent changes in the political landscape could work in his favor"? Yeah, ANYBODY can get elected as a Democrat.
"untested Tea Party oddballs"? Keep up the name calling, it makes you look real good ! HA
The rest of the Hoosiers you listed are all entertainers of some sort, also. We've been entertained enough this past year.
Reply
yep....prime Hoosier candidates....David Lee Roth, La Toya Jackson...wow can the loonie left put out some winners.....
I didn't think Dino Sissi wasn't calling the Tea Party names calling a group oddball isn't name calling just my opinion.