Steve Earle Interview - "I came offstage to find we elected the first orangutan president"

[n2doc]

Snip:
CP: You certainly are no stranger to making social or political statements, but it seems like So You Wannabe an Outlaw is not overtly political. Was that intentional?

SE: Look, I apologize that this album isn’t more political than it is. I simply did not know that this was going to fucking happen. We were in Canada. I supported Bernie Sanders until he got out. I voted for Hillary Clinton. I went on stage [election] night thinking we were electing the first woman president of the United States, and that’s gotta be a good thing.

I came offstage to find we elected the first orangutan president. Like everyone else, I didn’t know this was going to happen. I thought about dismantling this record, adding three or four more in a hurry, but I decided it was a really good record. I was proud of all the songs. I decided to let this album be what it was supposed to be. The next record will probably be just as country as this one, and way more political.

CP: Maybe you should run for office like Kid Rock?

SE: No. I wouldn’t do anything like Kid Rock.

CP: That’s for the best.

SE: Jesus Christ, the only way we could do worse than Donald Trump is Kid Rock. What the fuck?! I don’t have any aspirations to doing anything like that, although I am proud to know three senators. Two of them are Deadheads and the other is Al Franken. We knew each through [liberal radio network] Air America. It’s pretty amazing to watch what he has done. He’s kicking ass. He’s pulling it off. He’s a real senator.

the rest
http://www.citypages.com/music/steve-earles-got-some-opinions-about-al-franken-kid-rock-and-our-first-orangutan-president/437030883

[Warren DeMontague]

1. I'd correct Mr. Earle on only one thing;

Al Franken is ALSO a Deadhead.

[Docreed2003]

2. Lol...I think he was making a joke

Pretty sure at least...

FYI, for anyone that's interested, Steve does small venue shows pretty frequently in the Nashville area. If you check his website, they usually pop up a every few weeks! He's a great singer songwriter and I never tire of seeing him play!

[Warren DeMontague]

5. Yeah, I like his stuff, too.

I bet it's a good show.

[mucifer]

3. That was his joke

[Warren DeMontague]

4. ah, derp

A little slow on the uptake, over here!

[Vogon_Glory]

6. Is he quite sure of that?

The orangutans I've seen in zoos have more decorum and gravitas.

[Hoyt]

7. Love Earle's work -- songs on racism, war, death penalty, guns, immigrants, the poor, and more.

After george war bush defeated Kerry in 2004, I was in a real depression for months. I think in January or February of 2005, Earle came to town with his Revolution Starts Now Tour. It was great and cathartic event.

[elehhhhna]

8. He came to Camp Casey in August '05 and played for us.

It was a message from the universe. For me, anyway.