Pulling Out All The Stops

From the Shawano Leader online.

"King sings Obama’s praises at rally
By Tim Ryan, Leader Reporter

Award-winning singer and songwriter Carole King drew a crowd of about 100 people Thursday who turned out not to hear her sing, but to hear her speak on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

“It’s time to make our world and our country a better place,” King said to an enthusiastic crowd at Angie’s Main Caf/ Thursday afternoon.

King — a four-time Grammy winner best known for her work as a 1970s recording artist — talked about having lived in a rural and heavily Republican area of Idaho for the last 30 years. Much of what she had to say Thursday was clearly directed at Republicans as she encouraged them to consider crossing over and voting for Obama.

“Whatever party we identify with, we’re all Americans,” she said. “So many Republicans realize their party is not necessarily where they want it to be.”

King said she realized it might seem a big leap for some Republicans to vote for a Democrat.

“I have some words of inspiration for you,” she said. “Colin Powell.”

Former Secretary of State under George Bush and a noted Republican, Powell endorsed Obama on “Meet the Press” this week.

King also spoke to the fears of some conservatives that Obama would restrict the rights of gun owners.

“I’m a gun owner and I support responsible hunting,” King said. “Obama does, too. He’s not going to take your guns away.”

King encouraged everyone to vote early if possible, which she noted would make it easier for others to vote on Election Day. She also urged people to volunteer in get-out-the-vote efforts.

King responded to some of the McCain campaign’s criticism against Obama, including that he is a “socialist” who wants to spread the wealth.

“Wouldn’t you say wealth has been redistributed from you to the CEOs?” she said.

King led the audience in a rendition of one of her hit songs — “You’ve Got a Friend” — before greeting fans and Obama supporters individually. Many asked her to sign some of her record albums, as well as Obama campaign signs.

The event, which was publicized on short notice mainly through emails, brought out people from all over the area.

“I’m happy to see so many people here,” said Rosemary Bauknecht of Antigo.

Bauknecht said it wasn’t really a surprise, however, to see so many supporters in a predominantly Republican county.

“I think there’s an undercurrent of support building,” she said. “There are a lot of people who realize we need a change.”

Some of those who came out were there because of King and not necessarily Obama, but Sally Boldig of the town of Morris said it was a little bit of each.

“I’ve loved (King) for a long time,” Boldig said.

As for her vote on Nov. 4, she said, “I haven’t decided yet.”

Pam Laking of Wittenberg said she was both an Obama supporter and a King fan. She said she expected a number of Republican voters would probably agree with King.

“People are starting to think twice,” she said.

David Rand of Richmond said he didn’t understand how some voters could still be undecided. He said King’s appearance was a sort of cheerleading effort, but he said it wasn’t necessary for him.

“I’ve been energized for a while,” he said.

Some attended the event strictly because they back Obama.

“I came because I’m an Obama supporter,” said Bob Bower of Shawano, who added it wasn’t because of King’s appearance. “I’m not sure I know who she is.”

Shawano was the second of 10 stops across the state of Wisconsin that King was making Thursday and Friday. King’s Get-Out-The-Vote Tour for Change is targeting rural areas across the country." Shawano Leader

Sorry, not a Carole King fan. I didn't see anything on Kings visit. Why the secrecy?