Rockers as Politicians

I follow M. Shawn Crahan on Twitter. Some of you know him better as Clown from Slipknot. Anyway, he posted the cutest tweet last night:

"I'm only posting this because my mom & dad would like it. They forgot to include I'm a family man."

Naturally, there was a link to a story I just *had* to read. It was from Cityview, a website about Central Iowa. If you're up on your Slipknot, you know the band is from Iowa. Anyway, Clown directed all of us to a special article called "25 People Not Running for Governor But Should."

As you've probably guessed by now, the author of the article thinks Clown would be great because he knows - and loves - Iowa. This got me to thinking - what other rockers would make good politicians? Republicans are always pointing to Ted Nugent but I think he's way too partisan and we've got enough of that in government, thank you. I think Geoff Tate might be a good elected official. The man is brilliant, well spoken and can articulate ideas easily. It sounds crazy, but I think Slash might do a good job, too. Think about it this way: we all know his past and there wouldn't be any chaos over past drug use or whatever. He cleaned himself up, came out on top and does quite a lot for charities. Joe Perry is very interested in politics so he might be a good fit, too. (See? I'm picking rockers on both sides of the political aisle here. Joe is super conservative).

You know the two biggest benefits to having a rocker go into a major political role? They have their own money, so running a campaign isn't an issue and younger people would be interested. Plus, I think the media would be all over it, which would also be interesting for sure.

What do you think?

Comments

[egglsenmarten]

What continues to cause me great concern in the current political climate is how anyone defends the actions of our Federal Government or Politicians in general.



http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/cho-yung-tea-review-amp-free-trial-2124982.html

[mom2ross]

John Cougar Mellencamp pretty much owns Indiana and I think he *may* bet getting into politics somehow already. My man is convinced that's Bon Jovi's next step, too. Who knows...funny question to ponder, though.

[Greg]

Alice Cooper could be awesome. Although he's mild-mannered he could create some great policies on dealing with captured terrorists. Waterboarding would seem like childsplay.

[Gary]

Dee Snider did a helluva job going up against the harpies of the PMRC back in the day.Guy is obviously well spoken and intelligent, 2 things that a whole lot of Congress and the Senate today can't claim...

[Bob]

to be very honest, I don't think any rocker would make a good politician no matter how bright or well-spoken they may be. rockers, especially famous ones, are used to having their asses kissed all the time. they're used to having their every whim catered to. Being a politician is all about learning how to play the political game, trying to build consensuses where there are none and, when that doesn't work, learning how to sneak in your agenda on the back of something completely different. I just don't think someone who is used to being fawned over has that kind of savvy.

[JT]

Dio for President!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJoSI1ZTBZA

[Kenny Ozz]

Henry Rollins should run for President. And Marilyn Manson should be his V.P. Both are VERY intelligent and well spoken individuals.

[Metalboy!]

Actually, Bob, it seems to me most of our politicians are fawned over, so Rockstars are already well qualified for the job.

Here, also, is a brief history of various Rock'n'Roll figures involvement in American Politics.

Jello Biafra, lead singer of the seminal Punk band, The Dead Kennedys, actually came in 4th out of a field of 10 in the 1979 race for Mayor of San Francisco and came in 2nd behind Ralph Nader on the New York Green Party ticket in the 2000 Presidential race (Wikipedia Biafra to learn about his totally hilarious mayoral campaign tactics and significant ideas for improving life in the U.S.).

And Sonny Bono, a popular 60's rock'n'roll artist, who, after serving as mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992.

Oddly, Bono, songwriter of such hits as 1964's #13 single, "Needles & Pins" by The Searchers (Also a College Radio hit for The Ramones in 1978), the #1 single, 1965's "I Got You, Babe", and Hot 100 Hit, 1967's, "The Beat Goes On", songs which he also produced, arranged and performed with Cher in Sonny & Cher, was a Republican and Scientologist. The irony is he portrayed himself as a beatnik and hippie in the 60's.

Sadly, he died from a head injury sustained while skiing in Lake Tahoe in 1998.

So, as Mom2Ross broaches in her comments, the plausibility of John Cougar Mellencamp (a great songwriter with bad execution) as an Indiana politician is quite real, considering his heavy support of Hillary Clinton during the last Presidential election, as well as his strong ideas to help the people of Indiana.

Same goes with Jimmy Buffet (one of the worst yet hugely successful songwriters in the entire history of music), who would be a great Governor of Florida.

Given what seems to be a new low threshold for quality of qualification for a career in politics (i.e. 1/2 term Alaskan Governor resignee, Sarah Palin), why not Dee Snyder, Alice Cooper or Dio, as some of the others here have suggested?

Thing is, it's pretty implausible just from a public relations standpoint because all their opponents would need to do is put out the photos and footage of these characters performing on stage (Snyder with his "a*s cheek" leather chaps or Cooper or Dio with their "Satanic" references) which would serve to greatly diminish their chances.

Mellencamp, however, with his studied and calculated "blue collar" mediocre milktoast image, is perfect!

[Metalboy!]

Great idea, Kenny O! Even though Rollins and Manson wouldn't have a hope in h*ll getting elected since intelligence and lack of mental stability are not mutually exclusive. But I'd like to see 'em run just to hear their ideas.

p.s. Kenny O! I thought you might have some ideas for the playlists for Stop Taliban Operations Metal Project (STOMP) in Afghanistan. Check Al's post on the subject of Military use of Heavy Metal a few back and it's Comments section, if you care to way in. Also, on a more lighthearted subject, I wondered if you ever checked out Casanova's self-titled album from '91? Yeah, it's cheez but I think it's good cheez, i.e. "Hollywood Angels". I'd be interested to know your opinion of it. Hey, you still comin' to M3?