NEW YORK (AP) — Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has found an admirer in John Mellencamp.
The legendary rocker says that while he doesn’t support her positions, he is impressed by the mark she’s made on the country since the 2008 election.
Mellencamp says people get the wrong idea about her intellect “just because she says things and winks.”
He says she “knows exactly what’s she doing“ and ”she wouldn‘t be where she is today if she didn’t.”
Mellencamp gives Palin credit for handling the rough world of politics. He says “she’s pushing the right buttons“ and ”you can’t be stupid and do that.”
The 59-year-old rocker is no stranger to the political arena. He supported Barack Obama‘s campaign in 2008 and asked Palin’s running mate, John McCain, to stop using his songs at rallies.
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Comments (101)
rfycom
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:47pmI must say I am slightly miffed at this. As a farmer I followed farm aid and thought John was always on our side. He seemed to side with the little guy and not the corporation. Really surprised he likes someone who is for corporate take over of the free people.
Report Post »free2bme1961
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:46pmPolitically speaking: “Scarecrow” was a great song; he did stand up for the farmers. He also was cute as a button, back in the day. However, he has non-valid views of the current situation, if he supports the president’s agenda….sorry John. :((
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:42pmI think he wants a little action?
Finally! A musician or artist that is not completely clueless about individual liberity
Report Post »bhelmet
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:41pmJohn is looking for little pink houses.
Report Post »Steve Smith
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:41pm“Suckin’ on a chili dog, behind the ‘Tasty Freeze’…”
Report Post »spyderpopp
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:39pm“They” all know she’s not stupid. Her political enemies only try to make everyone else think she’s stupid. It’s the strategy they like to employ when they have nothing else – the strategy of personal attacks – doesn’t matter that what they say are lies – if they repeat it enough, (some) people start to believe the lies.
Report Post »Matty1631
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:35pmMore hard hitting news from the blaze.
Report Post »Workforit
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:35pmJohn just might change his tune even more if the government foreclosed on his little pink house…
Well at least he is listening and for that I give him the thumbs up! I like to hear things like this about Sarah Palin, She really is a true patriot just to go through what she goes through each and everyday in the political spotlight. I don’t agree with every word she says either but she is SMART and tough… Virtues more Americans are beginning to value and strive for. You can feel it in the air.
Change is coming and she IS and will be a big part!
Report Post »BocaBaby
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:35pmGREAT post! Thanks.
Report Post »Danaman
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:32pmBeware of a Mellencamp in sheeps clothing unless he has had some revalation he’s not telling about! We in North Carolina call it a possum with sharp teeth!
Report Post »neverending
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:51pmYou got that right.
Report Post »Randyrocker
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:19pmHe’s starting to see, there are no ‘Pink Houses For You And Me’.
Report Post »wilshar97
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 7:42pmMaybe HIS little pink house was foreclosed on!
Report Post »LSX
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:18pmFrom a guy who used John Cougar to get famous and then all of a sudden finds his *heart* and changed it back to his *real* name? Right after he made his money. What a FRAUD ~
.
Report Post »ConsiderThis
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:17pmAs Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin wrestled with the oil companies and won!
Report Post »Obama gave a sweet deal to the drug companies, caved in the banks and took two months to get up the gumption to address the head guy of BP.
That woman has brains, guts and she’s a natural born leader.
When it comes to the brave guys and gals that are fighting to defend America, Sarah is the one (not Obama) who is telling them they’re valued and she considers them heroes.
The liberals can whine all they want but Sarah Palin has everything it takes to be the President of the United States of America!
Jimt
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:28pmSarah Palin’s successful efforts to stop the cronyism and reform the energy business in Alaska were so impressive Kay Cashman, the publisher and executive editor of Petroleum News, wrote the book entitled: “Sarah Takes On Big Oil” .
Report Post »This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the leadership Sarah Palin has exhibited in the area of reforming government and industry!!
BocaBaby
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:33pmAmen!
Report Post »Kisha
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:15pmHe just think‘s she’s hot. Thats all… Go back to your bedroom and try searching for naked Palin pictures some more. DOPE! =)
Why don‘t these jerks ever come up with reasons that they don’t “like” someone‘s policy’s? Yet he has no reason to “like” her intellect either? What about her intellect do you like? No.. he just think‘s she’s hot. Thats why these idiots never elaborate. Do they have any intellect? No just a penis that points north!
She has gotten where she is because a good portion, if not a majority of the country agree‘s with HER POLICY’S!
Report Post »ARMOR BEARER 147
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:10pmWho cares what the actor/singer/athlete/celebrity group thinks. They get a louder voice because their egos demand a crowd and they attract cameras? They’re not smarter or know more or are more astute. Realize these people are just doing their job; like a plumber, or a painter, or a computer anylist, or salesman. Take Sinatras stance. when asked about Nixon he said, “I’m a singer, who cares what I think?”
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment” Romans 12:3 —-[-
Report Post »NFYRx
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:28pmWell said, Frankie.
Report Post »Country
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:08pmI can’t listen to John Mellencamp and a hand full of the musicians who I use to listen to. Too bad they would rather see us loss our liberties then to fight for them.
Report Post »brutom
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 5:13pmThat’s an interesting point you bring up. I face the same dilemma. Some of my favorite musicians are very vocal lefties (Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen) as are some of my favorite actors (Matt Damon, John Cusack, et al). I wish they would shut up politically, because I disagree with almost every position they take. But I am still attracted to their art, and I feel a little conflicted because of it.
Report Post »Jackson
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:06pmJohn’s work with Farm Aid has exposed him to the hearts of our heartland. Like him, I live in both worlds and can see positives and negatives in both. I appreciate his support for an opposing view while retaining honesty and a civil dialog. If we all sought to find what we have in common as opposed to what we disagree about, America would be a better place. “Jack and Dianne”
Report Post »ColoradoTaxpayer
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:17pmI LOVE JACK & DIANE…I loved the video and the song is such a great song to sing along with.
Report Post »Susan Harkins
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:06pmThe 59-year-old rocker is no stranger to the political arena. He supported Barack Obama‘s campaign in 2008 and asked Palin’s running mate, John McCain, to stop using his songs at rallies.
Hey Liberal Mellonhead…If I hear about little pink houses again, I will loose my lunch. Dont let your songs go to your head…they are grating and discordant — and certainly dont need to be played at a rally unless you wish the opposite effect of what a rally supposed to mean.
Report Post »Rapunzel
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:13pmSusan, that was mean and uncalled for. We need to rise above the pettiness of the progressive.
Report Post »ColoradoTaxpayer
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:09pmthank you Rap…we don’t need to tear them down, we need to give thanks that his eyes are opening a little. and i like his music…i hate it when entertainers come out in politics because it make is so hard sometimes to listen to them. I grew up adoring Barbra Streisand…knew every line and song in Funny Girl…saw every one of her movies and On A Clear Day was the ultimate. then Colorado passed a bill that had something to do with the gay community…sorry, I was really politically dumb back then, but she called for a boycott of Colorado and it worked. I think that was my wake up call to get educated. The other day I was at my daughters watching the grandson and there was a 2 hour special of Barbra in concert in 2009. I watched and sang along but then she had to interject her views and that took a little of the joy out…then I just said to myself that I still love her singing and bless her…I am sure that by now she realises that she backed the wrong horse…maybe I am dreaming.
Report Post »Mattangels00
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:05pmI think she is much more effective as a force outside of elected government. I hope she doesn’t run, but she will. She could be the next Rush Limbaugh and have infinitely more power than if she had to deal with the day to day difficulty of working with the Democrats when all they want is the destruction of the free market system.
Report Post »WTP
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:04pmWhat a refreshing thing to say…after some thought, he obviously has seen the light…..Sarah knows and Sarah does……it’s nice to see her get unexpected support….there will be much more in the future.
Report Post »takingonissues.com
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:03pmSmart man. Mellencamp is right Palin didn’t get where she is by being stupid. The left-winged media just paints her as stupid because they’re afraid of her. The dems and the media mud sling anyone they are afraid of, what else is new?
Report Post »Jimmers46
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:02pmJohn can’t help being a democrat,having been raised near Bloomington In. Indiana University it a hotbed of Liberalism. I think being a hoosier has helped him see the light though. He is talented and is starting to show some common sense at last!
Report Post »PossumRoadkill
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:18pmHammer meets nail, right on the head. You got it right. The more he comes back to Indiana and stays away from “Liberalfornia”, the more he’s come back to the fold. There’s something about the gently sloping hills of southern Indiana that can bring you back to reality. If more people would spend time in the Midwest, there would be a whole lot more common sense to go around.
Report Post »catndahat
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:00pmThe first step is at least taking off the gloves long enough to recognize a quality product when you see it…may Cougar will come around to complete sanity by ‘12.
Report Post »barbaraw62
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:59pmAlways did enjoy his music……… and he has a brain too??? How about that!
Report Post »Caffeinated Texan
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:46pmA stopped watch is right twice a day. Don’t give Mellonhead too much credit.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:54pmGood for him, so many on the left only criticize and never compliment. I think it is a breath of fresh air in all the mud slinging and nastiness.
Christie/Palin 2012
Report Post »ColoradoTaxpayer
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:55pmno no no…please don’t bring in that stupid clock remark. you wouldn’t believe how many times so many idiots over at HuffPo write that every time they reluctantly agree with Glenn. don’t bring it here please :)
Report Post »Caffeinated Texan
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:08pmOkay, I won’t use that phrase again. I had no idea it was often used at Huffpo. I rarely read it because I firmly believe doing so causes irreversable brain damage.
However, we need to know the source of the “compliment.” Mellencamp is an ultra leftist, and, honestly his comment that Sarah Palin “knows how to press buttons” would be on a par with me (the world’s biggest Nazi hater) saying “they were very fast and efficient in taking over Europe.” That is to say, “if you plan to do something evil, they sure knew how to do it.”
It’s not an endorsement of what was done, simply and acknowledgement that it was done skillfully. I doubt he gets any more pleasure from making his acknowledgement than I would. In fact, it kind of makes you sick to have to do it.
I hope this makes sense.
Report Post »ColoradoTaxpayer
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:22pmThanks Tex…it has become a duck tape phrase for me. LOL I go to HuffPo to see what the extreme are spouting. there are some I have had decent discussions but they are rare.There are a few of us that do try to educate by showing facts but there are times one just throws in the towel and leaves the giggling geese.
Report Post »lidsville
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:57pmThe woman is brilliant, and will be our next President.
Report Post »BocaBaby
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:04pmI absolutely agree with you, & hope you are correct.
She MUST and deserves to be on the ticket. I would be thrilled if she was at the top, uness of course Glenn changes his mind ;)
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:22pmShe will never be president – it just won’t happen! http://maboulette.wordpress.com
Report Post »John W
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:50pmshe should not want the job because the republicans are being set up to fail
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:55pmwalkwithme…I wouldn’t be so sure about that…of all the politicians I’ve seen lately this one loves America…we need more people like Mrs. Palin…
Report Post »brutom
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:13pmI‘ve got a crisp bill with Ben Franklin’s picture on it that says neither Palin nor Beck will be on either the Republican or the Libertarian ticket in 2012. Any takers? I admire and respect them both, but I don’t see either one chasing after the oval office.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:22pmWalkwithme66, If you have ever had kids or animals you would know NEVER SAY NEVER because you are generally proven wrong.
Report Post »american1st
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:32pmshe is a great cheerleader! but she would hurt the cause and maybe cost us the election by running,
Report Post »i will find out if she is as smart as she needs to be, by whether or not she realizes that …
she can do more for America by doing what she is doing (and doing very well) right now…
Jimt
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:36pmf you want to talk about her tenure in AK, you may want to consider her balanced budgets. She left the state with an $8 billion rainy day fund and a $1 billion education fund and a budget smaller than her predecessor’s. She broke up the Corrupt B*stards Club of Republican politicians and oil company execs than ran Alaska and reset the system used for reimbursing Alaska for the use of its resources. Then there’s the gas pipeline that was talked about for decades and she got passed. How did she do it? She worked with democrats against some Republican opposition, which dispels the myth that she’s some kind of right wing nut case.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:59pmShe has what it takes to be a effective President indeed.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mix art)
Report Post »bringdough
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 5:30pmI don’t think she would win. She would be my pick for Sec.of Energy though.
Report Post »JGP
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 5:59pmJohn W is 100% correct.
Report Post »john654
Posted on October 23, 2010 at 7:12amAmen!
Report Post »jamesctheman
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:56pmThis is Great. Mellencamp understands Gov. Palin is smart. If he only realized how dumb & underhanded the party he supports is. I wish they would of asked him about Pelosi’s intellect.
Report Post »Breaker 19
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:14pmAt what age should an adult not perform Rock ‘n Roll? My guess is 59 – I didn’t like him much even when he was younger.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:24pmBreaker, I didn‘t like him either and still don’t. That comment about Sarah is the only speck of intellect he has shown in his whole life.
Report Post »NFYRx
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:24pm@ Breaker
Report Post »Well, the 70 year old burnout outs shelling out $200 a show think he’s just a kid.
Marylou7
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:37pmNFYRX
He probably is still a kid…..MENTALLY.
Report Post »Caffeinated Texan
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:45pmNew Headline: “Ultra Leftist Musician, Famous For Middle-Of-The-Road Dreck, Admires Most Popular Woman On The Right”
Report Post »SavvyCowboy
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:23pmJohn “Cougar” Melon-head sucked as a “rock-n-roller” and sucks as a political hack for the amerikan communist part (aka demoncrats). This is going to seriously damage Gov. Palin’s image. She needs to RUN from this…. :)
Report Post »Ken
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:36pmWell, I guess when he goes on Medicare that he “might” realize the error of his ways. Not holding my breath though, because Andy Griffith hasn’t figured it out yet…he‘s so far into dementia that he doesn’t remember where his crapper is!
Report Post »Bocrockett
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:49pmSpoken like a true gentleman!
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 3:02pmThis demonstrates that someone can respect the oppositions viewpoints, their beliefs, and their abilities (as he does with Palin) and still be on the wrong side of the window.
Come in out of the storm before the Progressives slam home everything else they will do to take the country down about our ears.
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mix art)
Report Post »mizflame98
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 5:27pmEven a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 7:08pmSee this is how civilized people disagree with people they do not agree with…
Report Post »Good example John .. too bad most of the people in your party are not as sophisticated as you….
I do not support any of Johns parties positions either but I have supported him buy purchasing his music … I do enjoy his music…
I always thought John was for small town farm standards and values .. for thats what he sang about
and was so very surprised to hear he wasn’t… that he was a Democrat … :o(
chazman
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:03pmYeah right. He’s a Liberal Marxist. Always will be…
Lock and Load Patriot’s …
Report Post »virgdad
Posted on October 23, 2010 at 8:43amI like his music and his blue-collar schtick. Too bad he doesn’t understand what hurt them over the last 10 years or how the next 5 will be worse. Look ath the Obama lyrics, John, and you’ll find some really important new music.
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