Now that four more years is all but in the bag for Bush, it's time to do what all right-minded citizens of the world are, or should be, doing this morning. Laying blame. I guess I could blame the neo-con media, who buried the truth at every turn. But it seems that the main issue in this election was not Iraq, which is a no-win quagmire to anyone with eyes to see.
It was morality, and Bush (or rather Karl Rove) courted the white Protestant evangelical vote brilliantly, though he himself rarely attends church while self-identifying as born again. I could blame John Kerry, who waited too long to give voters a clear picture of his core values. But his caution is understandable in such a close race and with such a divided electorate. No, I'm going to lay blame upon the shoulders of he who deserves it most.
Dave Matthews.
It occurred to me as I ate my complimentary continental breakfast this morning at the Edmonton Centre Suite Delta in downtown Edmonton. This restaurant seems to have an all-Dave Matthews music policy, as evidenced by the fact that I hear nothing else over the speakers, and I've eaten breakfast there every day for a week and a half.
Now, I like a leisurely breakfast as much as anyone. K and I have spent many a happy morning at Toronto b-fast spots like Easy, Mitzi's and Tasty, whiling away the hours over unlimited coffee refills. But here at the Delta, I fire back the cereal and bolt the bacon in as little time as possible to escape Matthews' overrated bar college fusion workshop band and out-of-tune, painfully mannered vocal delivery.
The Democrats went into this election with a good shot of winning. The youth and 'urban' had been mobilized to a startling extent, and the polls were looking up. What nobody counted on was the smug, corn-fed face of Dave Matthews, flailing away at a defenseless Gibson Chet Atkins as part of Bruce Springsteen's Kerry-boosting tour. Just as harsh words will crush a child's spirit, Matthews' insipid music, I believe, wilted the resolve of the thousands of hapless listeners who attended the tour. I have no doubt that many of them decided right in the middle of "Crash Into Me" to cast a vote for Bush, if only to have a chance to prevent four more years of Dave Matthews. I know I would.
It's only a theory, but it's as good as any.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
fascinating concept worthy of further cogitation
2 - Antfreeze
This touches on what, for me, is the only good outcome of this election. Perhaps the Dixies, Springsteens, Serandons, etc. and especially Michael Moore will realize that their self-righteous attempts to use their celebrity to sway an election have back-fired and this practice will stop.
3 - Mark Saleski
exacty.
but...why didn't you tell kurl schilling to shut the fuck up?
god bless america.
not.
4 - The Dude
That's right, Antfreeze. The last thing you want in America is free speech.
5 - Mike Daley
wow...a lot of rancor here. and i thought that i was being bitter.
a lot of right-wingers in the blog world, i've been noticing.
uhm, who's kurt schilling?
6 - Amy Rusker
You always gotta blame somebody don't you??? It's so easy being the Monday morning quarterback. Shoulda, coulda, woulda.....
God Bless America and Dave Matthews for standing up and speaking about his beliefs and views!
7 - Kurt naster
As the lead singer of midnight oil once said to me when I ran into him on the street
HOPELESS...
8 - David J. Matthews
What did you do to further your cause my friend? The election of Bush was not the work of me, it was the work of America.
9 - Eric Olsen
thanks Dave, and if it's the real you, then I would like to say I admire your charitable and community-based activism, your artistic generosity, and your ability to connect. I find a fair amount of the music meandering and unfocused but I also realize that is part of the point, and I also find moments of great beauty. In short I salute you and see you overall as a force for good, but if you were going to do a concert in my backyard, I would have to pick the tunes.
10 - Mike Daley
It's called satire, people.
11 - Martina Gail
A long time Dave Matthews fan, I nonetheless MUST agree with Mike Daley. I have long held the Dave Matthews band personally responsible for lots of stuff, including but not exclusive to my favorite bakery's cookies suffering from a progressive dearth of sprinkles; my Mom's colitis and this pothole in front of my building that has been causing massive headaches for those in wheelchair scooter since last winter.
It's called satire.
12 - Eric Olsen
I think that really was Dave, by the way.
13 - Steve S
I don't understand why celebrities can't get political. Can someone explain that to me again? If Joe Schmoe wants to try to get people to vote, this is a good thing, if Dave Matthews does it, it is a bad thing?
What is the rationale behind leaving your beliefs at the door, once you make a CD? Can someone explain that to me again? Political commentary and dissention has given us some of the greatest music of all time.
It's really only bad when the artist's beliefs don't match our own, isn't that it?
14 - Mark Saleski
people will (and have) claimed that artists left AND right should 'quiet down'....but you mostly see left-winger being told to keep their mouth shut.
15 - Steve S
I agree Mark. I realize this was satire, however political celebrities has been blogged here before and was the basis for my thought. I agree with you completely. I've never heard the Right criticize Mel Gibson or Charleton Heston.
16 - mike daley
as the author of this piece, please let me clarify. i'm not criticizing dave matthews for getting involved politically. truth be told, i'm glad he got involved with springsteen's tour. it was a great thing to see artists standing up against the republican anxiety. this is a satirical piece about dave matthews, and his sucky music.
17 - Eric Olsen
Well Mike, hopefully Dave will come back and hear your post is satirical, except for the part about not liking his music
18 - Tia
I can not believe I just read something negative about Dave Matthews, his band or the simple fact that someone dared voice a political opinion despite their mainstream status. Hang on, I need to vomit now.
We here in the U.S. are LUCKY to have the ability to state our opinion without getting murdered or jailed for doing so. Why are non-Bush supporters getting crucified for their basic right to disagree? This nonsense you tossed, flat out ridiculous - grow up. *rolls eyes*
If you can't hear the beauty, feel the magic or see the logic you are deaf and blind...you are as good as dead. Do not batter others because they can and do.
-Tia
19 - Frank
Come on Mike, Dave Matthews is one of the best singers/songwriters ever and his band one of the most talented ever assembled. The real issue was that Kerry was not as likeable and charismatic as GW. Pick up a 6 string and you will understand what I mean.
20 - Jon Lish
Bravo Frank, you are exactly right. Dave Matthews is one of the greatest song writers, and musicians to ever live. Dave if that was really you, I would just like to say that you are absolutly incredible, both your lyrics, and musical ability are unmatched. Plus your charitable work is astounding. I was at Shorline 9/9/06, and you were amazing. Mike if I could just say, if you believe this is true, I respect that, but it might just be possible that you are just reflecting one thing you dont like on another, which have no real connection.