Watching a John Kerry Speech

I'm watching a John Kerry rally, live on the internet, from Madison, WI. Not because I'm such a committed follower (though he is my choice for President of the United States) but because Bruce Springsteen is singing. Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters just finished. Bruce is next. Then the Candidate will speak.

I don't know if I'll stick around for the Candidate. OK, maybe. The video quality sucks, and the sound isn't very good. But it's Bruce. Bee-yoo-tee-ful Bee-yoo-tee-ful Bruce. I will blog again or comment with a short synopsis. That is, if I can get my connection back which I just lost...

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It took a long time of watching crowd shots and listening to classic rock, but at about 12:45 The Hero came out, accompanied by Wisconsin's Governor Doyle. Doyle introduced Bruce, composing his speech out of Bruce Springsteen song titles. After he introduced the Hero, Bruce said "Now I've heard everything. I don't think he'll be my opening act again."

Bruce sang The Promised Land, which has some really appropriate lyrics. Then he gave one of his PSA's. It was wonderful. He spoke of authentic and deeper patriotism, and returning the values and ideals that made the American dream worth dreaming. He quote Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone: "The future is for the passionate," and told the audience that the future is now, so let our passion shine through. Then he sang "No Surrender," for "John."

I want to sleep beneath peaceful skies in my lover's bed,
With a wide open country in my heart
And these romantic dreams in my head.
We made a promise we swore we'd always remember,
No retreat, baby, no surrender.

Then he introduced the "next President of the United States, John Kerry," and the Senator came out to the album cut of "No Surrender." The two men warmly embraced, in a thoroughly manly way, shook hands, and Bruce went offstage.

It was awesome. I have some introspection about this that I'll put up later today.