Big Weekend in Iowa
10 November 2007 5:14 pm by Taylor Marsh
It’s turning into a mud-fest in Iowa.
The reviews are in on what happened when Edwards came on stage with Mellencamp, and it’s a mixed bag at best.
Radio
Iowa was there, so here’s an excerpt:
… .. The crowd erupted as he started Small Town and sang the lyrics as
though Wells Fargo Arena were one of those sing-along piano bars.It’s at this point Mellencamp gestures and John Edwards walks on stage. After
a few cheers boos overtake the hall. “I’ve been in your small towns,”
Edwards said as Mellencamp stepped aside to give Edwards a place behind the
microphone. “…You didn’t come here to listen to me,” Edwards continues
as he winds down with a “thank you,” waves and walks to the darkened
edge of the stage.The crowd is mostly booing at this point. “I came for a concert,”
one man behind me yelled. “Refund. Refund,” another chanted a few
rows back. One person in the crowd made this observation: “Are they booing
Edwards specifically or booing because they don’t like politics?” Mellencamp
tells the crowd he’s “had a lot of fun with that guy,” and begins
playing his guitar and singing Small Town again. The crowd slowly begins to
sing along again. Edwards stood on the darkened edge of the stage until the
song was over, then exited. … ..
Politicians at rock concerts are often a bust. In the video, Edwards looks like he knows
he’s made a mistake and can’t wait to get off the stage. Not the greatest idea
they’ve had lately, but the booing was likely because the crowd wanted
to hear Mellencamp, not be treated to presidential politics with Edwards making
an appearance. Can’t blame them.
Also in Iowa, tonight is the big Jefferson Jackson dinner and our friend Chase
Martyn is covering it. Make sure you check out what’s happening at Iowa Independent.
It’s the biggest night of the primary season for the candidates in Iowa. Chase will post more here tomorrow, but make sure you check out the site tonight. They’ve got a half a dozen reporters on the ground, so it’s being updated continually.
