LoC: 10 Reasons He’s a Barack Star

Most of us know, at least part of Barack Obama’s story. He came out to us ‘officially’ at the 2004 Democratic Convention with his rousing speech, one I think about to this day because it still inspires, much like a lyric or a song. And of course, the media just eats up his every word. In fact, I saw a media report on the media reporting of Barack and his world tour last week. So what is it exactly, that makes him a rock star? Well, I’ve come up with the Top 10 Reasons He’s a Barack Star…so without further ado, move over David Letterman.

10. Barack Posters

I have never seen so many benefit concerts for a candidate. Mostly put on by local and regional acts but musicians are getting together everywhere to raise some money and awareness. Heck, one of my favorite local venues, the Exit/In, is hosting a two night “Nashville Barack the Vote” event next weekend.

9. Merchandising

After all, every good rock star needs a brand image. Barack has several and he’s not even making them all. In my research I found several companies and Cafe Press stores that all have different designs and logos.

8. Collectable Prints

Like my favorite collectible Pollock, you can now buy limited edition prints to support this candidate, yes you can (for a donation of course).

7. On the Cover of Rolling Stone (twice)

The magazine even endorses him. Feel free to insert liberal media bias jokes here. However, I don’t know why anyone would refer to a Rolling Stone interview/cover story to back up a particular candidate, but maybe I’m just getting older.

Also, don’t forget The Onion’s Tiger Beat cover.

6. Celebrity/Rock Star endorsements

Never in my life have I seen such a long list of actors, athletes, comedians, directors or musicians support a politician. If he was able to bring all these people together he could put together a basketball dream team that could beat the likes of our current US Olympic Team and he has so many musicians he could put on his own festival…Obamaroo anyone? Super Jams look out! Not that it reflects voter turn out, but sadly, John McCain pales in comparison.

5. 200,000 people in Berlin

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Okay, well as one comedian noted, the illustrious David Hasselhoff also has rock star status in Germany, so maybe this isn’t a good example.

4. He’s Made Mistakes

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Well, he’s no Amy Winehouse but yes, he has made mistakes — but who hasn’t? I certainly expect McCain and Obama to make more along the way over the next three months.

3. You Can Win Backstage Passes!

He’s officially ‘opened up’ the Democratic National Convention for the night of his acceptance speech of the Democratic nomination. Over 75,000 people will hear him speak at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 28th. If you’re lucky you can be one of the 10 individuals who get to do a meet and greet before his speech.

2. He likes good music and good music likes him!

Last month, Rolling Stone interviewed Obama and found out what was on his iPod.

People are even making mix tapes and YouTube tributes all over the world and in every genre. Nas has an album dropping next week with this track:

We’ll also find out this weekend if he shows up to introduce Kanye (who BETTER not be late for said introduction) at Lollapalooza. Perhaps they will “pound it out.”

And the number one reason he’s a Barack Star…

1. Dr00gs

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After all, you can’t be a full-fledged rock star without ’em.

In all honesty, I tried to come up with a listing like this for McCain. But, since he decided to go back to using ABBA’s Take A Chance On Me I decided not to pursue a similar list. I did find this interesting site. And to his credit, he’s the only political candidate that I know of that has ‘performed’ at the-best-venue-in-the country, The Ryman. But I digress on McCain, this piece is about Obamania. I left a few things off my personal ‘Top Ten’ list, but why do you think he’s such a rock star and the media surrounds him so? Comment below and voice your opinion.