Obama Snags Springsteen's Endorsement And Defense on Bittergate

UPDATE, 5 p.m.: Sen. Barack Obama reacted this afternoon to Springsteen's endorsement, saying, "The America that Bruce Springsteen has spoken about through song is one of big dreams, unyielding hope, and a resilient, hardworking people who struggle and sacrifice for a country as good as its promise. It's a story I know and a vision I share for our future, and that's why I'm so honored to have his support in this journey."

Meanwhile, there has been no response from the Clinton campaign on whether Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and former president Bill Clinton will continue using Springsteen's "The Rising" and other songs at campaign rallies.

HERE'S THE ORIGINAL POSTING:

Hillary Rodham Clinton has Elton John. And now, Barack Obama has Bruce Springsteen. And the Boss is trying to rescue Obama from bittergate.

Just as Elton John endorsed Clinton for president, the Boss is signing off on Obama's bid to be the Democratic nominee.

Bruce Springsteen, appearing on NBC's "Today" show, Sept. 28, 2007. (AP Photo -- Richard Drew)

In a letter to friends and fans today, Springsteen wrote, "Like most of you, I've been following the campaign and I have now seen and heard enough to know where I stand. Senator Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest."

Invoking his own songs, Springsteen said Obama "speaks to the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that's interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit. A place where '...nobody crowds you, and nobody goes it alone.'"

The Boss also defended Obama's controversial "bitter" comment about working-class voters who he said "cling to guns or religion." Springsteen said Obama's comments "have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision, so well described in his excellent book, Dreams of My Father, often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues."

Obama spokesman Bill Burton e-mailed the Boss's letter far and wide.

That's great for Obama that he's getting the backing of E Street but what's up -- no concert fundraiser like Elton John did for Clinton earlier this month?

Or maybe there will be....