Update: Bruce writes an op-ed in today's New York Times. [link via Cursor.]

**********************
Live blogging of Bruce Springsteen on Nightline: He's most concerned about foreign policy. He says he likes Kerry and Edwards, it's not just an ABB (anybody but Bush) thing, but he also says there's not that much difference between Bush and Kerry. He says no candidate has it all. But it seems like he really does like Kerry and Edwards. Ted Koppel doesn't buy it and comes back for a second round at the topic. Ted Koppel gets him to acknowledge that he wants to get rid of Bush. So what, that doesn't mean he doesn't think Kerry and Edwards are up to the job. He does.

Bruce says he's afraid America is becoming an oligarchy. Oligarchy?

Oligarchy is a form of government where most political power effectively rests with a small segment of society (typically the most powerful, whether by wealth, military strength, ruthlessness, or political influence). Oligarchies are often controlled by a few powerful families whose children are raised and mentored to become inheritors of the power of the oligarchy, often at some sort of expense to those governed. In contrast to aristocracy ("government by the 'best'"), this power may not always be exercised openly, the oligarchs preferring to remain "the power behind the throne", exerting control through economic means. Unlike plutocracy, oligarchy is not always a rule by wealth, as oligarchs can simply be a privileged cadre.

Bruce knows he's going to piss a lot of people off. But he says most of his fans know where he stands on the issues and he wants to make a difference in the election. Bush has taken us away from mainstream American values. Bush has burned his bridges on foreign policy.

The purpose of the concert series: Change the direction of the government, mobilize progressive voters, and change the Administration in November.

Overall reaction? Thank you, Bruce. We need you to stand up against Bush. We need the money you can raise. We need the votes you can get out. We need you to dissipate the apathy among young voters.

Background on planned anti-Bush concerts is here. The New York Times covers the tour here.