Yesterday was the official kickoff of the Democratic National Convention in Colorado and the celebs turned out to support the party. Singer Sheryl Crow dedicated the song “Strong Enough” to presidential hopeful Barack Obama at last night’s concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. She changed the lyrics to fit the occasion, singing “Are you strong enough to my man, or my president?”
Crow told the Associated Press before the concert that she felt the Republican Party was responsible for the celebrity tag attached to Obama’s name, but said “I have yet to see him at any celebrity events.”
Another musician on hand at the concert was Jennifer Nettle of Sugarland. She pointed out that “this is the first time that a political convention of any sort has been surrounded with the awareness of environmental issues, so that feels like it’s on the cutting edge.” Denver mayor, John Hickenlooper, has tried to get the city ready for the conference by working with various hotels, restaurants, and organizers in an effort to “go green.”
But, when asked if she and a fellow band mate were Democrats, Nettles balked. She said “We don’t say. We stay away. It’s like honey, what do you want to be, a pariah? What do you want to be, crucified? It’s a good thing in this country. We don’t have to tell anybody. It’s no one’s business who we vote for.”
Also in town showing support for Obama is a virtual who’s who of Hollywood list including Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Ben Affleck, Spike Lee, Annette Bening, Susan Sarandon, Anne Hathaway and Ellen Burstyn.
In addition to the celebrities turning out, it looks like the Democrats may get another exciting visit – from Senator Ted Kennedy. Kennedy, 76, has been a staple of the convention for the past 40+ years, but many feared that his recent diagnosis of brain cancer and the subsequent June 2 surgery might keep him from attending this year. While the official program says there will be an appearance from Senator Kennedy on videotape, rumors are that he will actually appear and speak if he feels up to it. As it stands, niece Caroline Kennedy is set to address the crowd.
If he does show up at the convention, it will be only his second public appearance since the brain cancer diagnosis was announced. Maybe Kennedy is hoping to unite the party with his appearance. Despite Obama’s obvious nomination, many Hillary Clinton supporters are still angry – vowing to vote for McCain over Obama.