Working on my Bruce Springsteen book proposal
July 20, 2011
All quiet on the Sarah front, so I’m starting to develop the proposal I’ll soon send to my publisher regarding the book I’d like to write about Springsteen.
As a fan, I go back to the beginning of Bruce’s recording history. I was living near Philadelphia and listening to Philly radio stations like WMMR when they started to play songs from his first album, Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey, in 1973.
We’re both in our sixties now, but both still going strong. If you drained the Great Salt Lake in Utah, you could fill the basin to overflowing with the sweat Bruce has left behind on stage over forty years, giving his every audience every bit of himself.
After three years of Sarah, it’s a joy to contemplate writing a book about someone who’s made such a difference to America in such a positive way over so many decades. In his life, his recordings, and especially in his electrifying stage performances, Bruce has shown that America still can be the land of hope and dreams.
As more and more of us find ourselves, “ten years down the road, nowhere to run…nowhere to go”–as it becomes ever more clear that our economy will never again be what it was in the 20th Century, as joblessness rises along with the costs of health care, as corporate interests crush the common man as brutally (though perhaps with more polish and finesse) as in the Robber Baron era–the strength and clarity of Bruce Springsteen’s vision of democracy and celebration of individuality and of the sheer–if only occasionally realized–joy of being alive is perhaps more vital than ever.
More on Sarah and THE ROGUE as the need arises or as the impulse occurs, but right now I feel like a guy who’s spent three years in a dark cellar and is suddenly Blinded by The Light.
Posted in Joe McGinniss, Sarah Palin | 
Tags: asbury park, bruce springsteen, new jersey, philadelphia, wmmr
59 Responses to “Working on my Bruce Springsteen book proposal”
Favorite Springsteen song of all time: Tunnel of Love. The last line is the best line:
“And you’ve got to learn to live with what you can’t rise above
if you want to ride on down in through this tunnel of love”
Did you know that Chris Christy is a big fan of Bruce Springsteen but Bruce Springsteen isn’t a big fan of Chris Christy.
What a great way to cleanse your soul after the last 3 years. I hope your proposal is accepted and I hope it doesn’t take 3 years!
Could be worthwhile, if you tell the whole story. He sold his soul to the devil when he let Landau turn him into Woody Guthrie for yuppies.
Regarding Philly radio in the day, do you remember WDAS up at 105.3? Chances are you got your introduction to Gil Scott-Heron from them about the time Michael Tearson was spinning Asbury Park for us at ‘MMR…
I too grew up in the WMMR era in Philadelphia and have been a Bruce believer ever since, having seen him play dozens of times. I think, contra Pat above, he really struggles and works hard at not being a completely out of touch rock star (while admittedly still enjoying the perks of fame and wealth.) I once was stunned to run across him in the aisle of the old Tower Records in LA, and I have never encountered a celebrity that was more patient and good natured with fans. And it goes without saying I appreciate the clarity of his vision for this country and wish a few more politicians could take some cues from him.
I am a huge music fan. Blues, jazz, rock, swing, rockabilly. A 5000 copy vinyl collection.You all get the picture. Anyway, in my youth and on occasion I would buy an album based solely on the cover art and that’s how I discovered Greetings From Asbury Park.
Any possibility that the Springsteen book could turn into another Fatal Vision? Not everyone idolizes Bruce. Some think he is merely an opportunist.
http://danbern.redacorn.net/lyrics/woodyblues.html
Thank you. From a fairly recent, but diehard Bruce Springsteen fan.
Not unless I learn that Bruce murdered a pregnant woman and two little girls. Opportunism is not the same as homicidal psychopathology. But thanks for the link. As with all my books, what I eventually write is based entirely on what I learn once I start my reporting.
–Joe
I will most definitely purchase a copy of the book. I hope your proposal gets accepted! I am from that era also. I don’t know much about Bruce, and would love to learn about his life and what makes him tick; the man behind the songs.
I’m curious: sold his soul to the devil? How? When? Have you seen evidence of this onstage, in his recordings? I’m not disagreeing, I don’t know enough yet, but I’m wondering if you could be more specific about this process.
thanks,
Joe
I do hope you ask him about the many nights he reverently spent at Wall Stadium watching the beat up race cars roaring around the little loop.
I am from the Jersey Shore and since the 70’s I have seen an unannounced Bruce jump on any number of bar room stages from Sea Bright to Pt. Pleasant many many times over the years. Like the one wild night he came out singing Heartbreak Hotel to Jimmy Cliff at the Stone Pony, it was Cliffs birthday. Springsteen literally snuck onto the stage and was in a full roar before the crowd knew it was Bruce.
In hopes of seeing him perform we gathered intelligence early each day by reading the Aquarian. We would scan the pages, and then a few phone calls early in the day to talk about who was playing where and when, searching for clues and hints to tell if Bruce might show for a sneak on. “Did Sue talk with Obie this today? Was Little Stevies Caddy in parked in his driveway? “Bobby works at the Foodtown in Sea Bright, he said, Clarence was in last night buying shit. Eff’in Bobby never says boo to Clarence.”
My favorite;
I said to my friend Karen “Mike and I saw Bruce again at Wall Stadium last night.”
Karen’s reply, “Matty sees him there all time too. Hey, have you seen Bruce more times on stage or at the Wall Stadium?”
I thought about it for a couple of heartbeats, and answered, “I guess its about the same number.”
We didn’t always go to Wall Stadium and we didn’t always see Bruce on the nights when we did, but from where I lived at night I could always hear the cars in the wind when they were running the loop and wondered if Bruce was on the bleachers or on the stage.
I hope your book proposal is a go. I imagine you need a break from the Demon Queen; I know that I do and I didn’t write a book about her. I love the Boss. He’s one of the best. He’s right up there with Bob and Neil (that would be Young, not Diamond). And God Bless Clarence, rest his soul. You can’t have a book about the Boss without Clarence.
My favorite newsman, Tim Russert (bless his soul too) was a big fan of the Boss. His favorite song was Thunder Road, and it’s one of my favorites as well.
As to the comments above stating that Bruce sold his soul to the devil and he is an opportunist. The Boss sold his soul to no one. And give me a break; how can you compare a book about the Boss to Fatal Vision? You people must be Palinistas or Palinbots trying to drag Joe down.
You have more than paid your dues Joe; you deserve to have a little fun.
Hello, Joe. I think you mentioned, or I read somewhere, that you live in Amherst, MA. I used to be the Gen. Mgr. of the Lord Jeffery Inn there (many years ago–heard they’re under construction). That’s a great area.
I met Springsteen a few times at the Devon Horse Show outside of Philly. His daughter, Jessica, is an equestrian (jumpers) and would compete in a couple of classes each year at Devon. I understand from other riders that she’s very good though I’m sure she has about as good a horse(s) as is available. Anyway, Bruce and his wife just walk around the show, stop and visit vendors, make a lot of purchases, support the vendors. If he wants a bottle of water and a burger he gets in line. There’s no big production about it, no posse/entourage and nobody makes a fuss.
I suppose my point is that Bruce, at least my perception of him at Devon, appears to be the everyman he writes about, and that’s nice.
As for that hideous woman in Wasilla– oy. I was in Wasilla two days ago for a meeting and it crossed my mind to poke around. I didn’t. I was in and out. She’s awful. I’ve managed to focus the abundance of the hate I have for the hypocrites who pimp Christianity squarely on her. It’s economical that way. And it suits me.
Hey Joe, the Mexican joint (same owners as in NoHo) in Amherst is going to be opening a tequila bar soon. Stop in and tell the tall Anglo from Spartanburg that his buddy in AK said hello. Best wishes.
Will do. Thanks very much for this. I know only a few people who know Bruce, but their admiration for him as a person, not simply a rock icon, is profound.
I’ll be in Wasilla in late Sept. Maybe we can meet if you’re around?
Joe
That’s a beautiful comment. Thank you. I’ll be sure to ask about Wall. I did my own Jersey Shore time in the 80’s, researching BLIND FAITH. I just want to write about somebody sincere. Not perfect, just sincere and able to care about someone besides herself.
–Joe
Can’t wait for a Boss Book!!!
For the sake of clarity, I don’t know the Springsteens, just met them briefly, and noticed their ease and comfort as they walked the horse show grounds. There’s not much real estate there so you tend to see attendees more than once. I’m pretty sure they have a home in Wellington, FL. Wellington is an equestrian community and they host a winter-long festival (www.wellington-WEF.com) and the daughter shows there. You may learn that the politics of the equestrian world doesn’t generally blend too well with Bruce’s (I’ve heard a few comments). Bruce would be very politically happy sitting where you are, and even moreso in Northampton.
Yeah, I’ll be here in Sept. You probably have access to my email address so drop me a line then. We can argue the comparative merits of a certain Philly Main Line college and one in Worcester (loved Cousy but he couldn’t go to his left).
I don’t know how long you’ve been in Amherst, but did you ever happen to run into Gabrielle Hamilton, the author of ‘Blood, Bones and Butter?’ She went to Hamphire College and was around there a lot back then (amazingly, Joe, at least to me, her book has fifteen people waiting on it at Loussac—at Loussac, in ANC!?!).
No knock against Springsteen, but the “everyman” at a horse show is someone with beaucoup bucks to begin with. I can’t even believe you used that word: “everyman” in that context…
Just sayin’.
—
I love his music, and thought it was pretty amusing that “Born in the USA” was named the top “patriotic” song by some-poll-or-other.
Delightful.
When I read this, “…it’s a joy to contemplate writing a book about someone who’s made such a difference to America in such a positive way…” my first thought was, maybe you would do the same for President Obama some day?
What a good choice for your new book.
You know what they ought to play instead of the wedding march at Palin weddings?
Springsteen’s “The River.”
My husband is a big Springsteen fan. It will be nice to be able to give him something he’ll really enjoy.
I used to have a job traveling teaching summer band camps. Long hauls in a van. The camp director’s motto? “Caffiene, nicotine and Springsteen!” Good times.
I was never a “fan” per se, but we saw Springsteen live in Houston a couple of years ago. I don’t care whether you’re a “fan” or not, hearing “Born to Run” live is a religious experience.
Your statement is perfection. Nothing else to be said.
On that long lonesome highway–okay, I was picking up my camp-counselor youngest son for his day off…
“Badlands” cranked as high as it would go–okay, in my Dodge Caravan…
Clarence Clemons’ soaring saxophone made me weep tears of pure joy and sorrow.
Go get ’em, Joe!
Respectfully, you don’t know what you’re talking about–at all. You’ve made a sweeping generalization, something ol’ Bruce wouldn’t approve of.
Yay!
The best concert I have ever been to was Bruce Springsteen in Madison, WI while in college. It was amazing, lasting for hours! I was hoarse and couldn’t hear the next day. This is a great idea. I don’t know too much about him personally. And it’s hard to think of him in his 60s.
It seems like Sarah is hiding or has disappeared? Or I missed something which is also possible.
Ok..let’s see….where to start…ooh I think that jugular looks good!!
Joe, I think it’s great you’re going to write a book on the Boss. Years ago I read Fatal Vision and Blind Faith and they were both outstanding books. But I have to say…I am sick, sick, sick to death of all the Sarah piling!!! The venemous hate that spews forth from the left over SP is nothing short of disgusting! What is it about her that turns you men into catty little “bad” girls!!?
She is a strong conservative woman! So for all you “Lolas” above me.. get over it!!
I’m from the Jersey Shore area and Bruce Springsteen was in my English class freshman year. We had split sessions for one year till a new high school was built to alleviate the overcrowding…anyway, I can tell you he was in a local band back then. He always had an interest in music. Although he interrupted the class frequently, the teacher, never got angry with him. I remember her telling him “There’s a time and place for everything, Bruce.” He entertained us with stories of his father who loved to gamble at the Freehold Race Tracks. He often talked about his desire to write his own music and the teacher encouraged him to do well in English. After freshman year I went to the new high school that was built and didn’t see Bruce till years later at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park (sometime in the 70’s). He wasn’t performing but just happened to be there and he was very gracious to us when I introduced him to a friend who was visiting from Germany. When you do your research Joe, you’ll find out that Bruce went to the Freehold Regional High School in the borough of Freehold in 1964 and went in the afternoon session during his freshman year. I don’t remember the English teacher’s name but she seemed very fond of Bruce….because he never got into trouble for disrupting the class. I didn’t know him personally but I thought he was kind of interesting with his stories of his father. Little did I know at that time he was going to be famous and put Freehold, NJ on the map. He comes from a working class family and as far as I know he has never forgotten his roots. I happen to like him not only as a musician but as a human being. He had a dream and worked hard to achieve his dream.
I’ve bet the trotters at Freehold myself. I think–only on the basis of what I’ve read, because I haven’t started reporting yet–that Bruce must have welcomed public school after being oppressed by the nuns at St. Rose of Lima. Having endured eight years of Catholic elementary school myself, I can empathize. One strange thing I read in Dave Marsh’s bio was that students at OC Community College thought he was so “weird” that they petitioned to have him expelled. I can’t quite wrap my head around that. I’ll find out more, of course, if I proceed as I hope to. I think his early band was called “The Castiles” because one kid in it used Castile brand shampoo to wash his long hair on occasion.
This would be so much fun. I used to go to the Jersey Shore in college, later lived in Seaside Park when researching BLIND FAITH. One of the key detectives lived in Point Pleasant, and the best journalist friend I made while working on that book was from the Asbury Park Press. Not to mention that one of my sons was born in Flemington.
Let’s stay in touch.
–Joe
A good nonfiction book should take three years. I have no complaints. Sarah got me back to Alaska, which I love above anywhere else. And three years working on Bruce would be time well spent.
–Joe
Another Jersey shore denizen here. Back in the 60’s….when you went to a party, there was live music. There were some pretty good bands too…including the Mods and of course, the Castiles. It was always a big deal when Springsteen was playing a party, and he always drew a huge crowd. So he was pretty famous with his peers back then. He now lives in Rumson, the town over from mine, and it’s not unusual to see him around town or eating at the local restaurants. People generally give him space.
Thanks, I couldn’t remember the name of the band he was in but you’re right, it was the Castiles. A girlfriend’s boyfriend, Vinny, was in the band. She knew Bruce back in the early years better than me because
of her boyfriend. I think Bruce was probably perceived as odd because he was someone who didn’t quite fit any stereotype. I can’t believe they petitioned for him to be expelled from OC Community College for being “weird”.
I bet they feel like asses now for doing that. Bruce was a rather small, skinny kid in high school and like I said his passion was music and I bet a lot of kids back then didn’t think he’d go far. In other words, he didn’t have the looks of a rock star but he had the determination. Wow, didn’t know you lived in Seaside Heights. I used to go there in my younger years to the boardwalk and when I had my kids take them there as well. The police in Seaside are brutes, they beat up people and there was a big write up in the Asbury Park Press because someone sued them and many stories came out about how brutal they were.
So glad to see one of Sarah’s Clingons chime in on this thread about “The Boss”, but that’s irrelevent as Sarah has become. They only see what their eyes want to see, and Sarah’s veracity, worship of money, self, and fame don’t raise any red flags for them. At least this one actually reads and knows the value of an author who’s a master at his craft, does inpeccable research, and raises the act of writitng to an art form.
Would be interested in Mary Jane Nash’s opinion of “The Rogue” after she’s had time to reflect and digest what she’s read.
Could you please come back and critique Joe’s book for us?, pointing out her strong points as a woman of honor and a Christian Conservative? It’s nice to read feedback from someone who’s idol is a “strong conservative woman”.
Onto Bruce,
I grew up in the burbs of Philly, listened to the “Geeter with the heater”, watched american bandstand, saw the diving horse at Morey’s Pier, walked the streets of Asbury Park and went to several of his concerts. My family saw him once on the boards in Asbury Park, and although he seems like an approachable person, we didn’t feel comfortable interupting his family time. An opportunity I’ve always regretted not taking.
To me, his music speaks to a generation of people who actually cared about their world, a generation that’s now sandwiched between taking care of our elderly parents while raising families. His lyrics and stage presence just blows me away.
I wept at Clarence’s passing, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he played along with Lady Gaga, of all people. What an amazing talent, irreplaceable and unforgettable.
I do hope this pans out for you, Joe. I’m sure you’ll do it justice.
I’d kinda lost my rock-‘n’-roll jones by the early ’80s. Then a business contact provided tix to Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” concert in L.A. in October, 1985. What does it tell you that — after noting his presence — I completely ignored the spectacularly beautiful young Rob Lowe sitting nearby?
When the show was (finally!) over, I was exhausted yet exhilarated. I turned to my companion and said, “I’ve been fucking born again in rock-‘n’-roll.” And I was.
Best of luck with the book. Knowing your work, I’m sure it’ll be a classic.
P.S. Interesting article, FYI: http://www.slate.com/id/2117845/pagenum/all/
Hmmm, maybe Mr McGinniss could push for an earlier release of his book and enable the rest of us to enjoy the remaining days of summer spinning our Springsteen tunes and dancing in the streets.
A few years ago Bruce came out with an exclusive Mal*Mart “Hits’ CD. Some union people were not happy about this. There was some discussion about this on the “Sing Out” discussion board. I think it is archived somewhere.
My favorite Bruce tune is “Lost In The Flood.”
interesting how “selling out” really means the artist doesn’t fit My preconceived notions.
what right does Anyone have to make that accusation?
I live a few minutes from seaside park and yes back in the day was a frequent visitor to asbury park .
though I was never lucky enough to be there when Bruce popped in I still remember the magic of summer nights and youth…..
the stone pony survived attempts at revitalization but sadly the city itself has not come very far.
what could be considered a success is the impact the gay and lesbian community has made yet the ocean front has never been developed and a few blocks away a broken down main street is littered with drug clinics and masses of unemployed.
Still the bitter sweet memories of those days now so long ago…remain.
That is a very strange coincidence.
Maybe if you read Joe’s new book when it releases and keep an open mind, you will understand why so many Americans are disgusted with Sarah Palin. A strong conservative woman?? Sorry but I don’t agree. In action, she has never made decisions that are consistent with conservative philosophy. I could give you hundreds of examples, but I have a feeling you aren’t interested in actually seeing the real Sarah Palin. Her fans, with her help, have constructed a myth that is very different from reality. Since you liked Joe’s books, I challenge you to read his upcoming book about Sarah. If you really try to have an open mind, you might be shocked at what you learn about her. Many true conservatives have learned the truth after considering objective facts. Discussing this is not equivalent to spewing venom.
At the New York Daily News there’s speculation that Springsteen might seek election as governor of New Jersey. It seems unlikely, but if it happened while you were writing on book on Bruce that would be really something.
I meant to write “Steel Pier” wish there was an edit button.
My husband just read your post, and he also hopes this endeavor reaches fruition. He’s a big Boss fan, and thinks there’d be a large demand for a book of this nature. Philadelphia and South Jersey don’t always get good press, but there are great people across the country who came of age and experienced the phenominon and culture for themselves.
Well said.
It’s interesting you say “positive way” because to MANY people, Sarah is a positive example of what one can be. There are 15 yr olds with book deals (yes it’s true), there are teenage political activists who started talking about civics in 2008. Who else inspires that? I’d say Barack Obama but it’s not even remotely close. Just because YOU’VE only met the “negative nancys” who dump on EVERYTHING and EVERYONE doesn’t mean Sarah is a bad person or example. She, like millions, just want the feds to do their jobs and stop padding their pockets. There’s a reason 50% of Americans don’t pay taxes and the govt does nothing.
It should tell you something that people who meet Sarah (hang with her at home) today love her. She’s a warm person to those without an agenda. True story.
One should NEVER judge a person unless.. Oh nevermind. I’m talking to democrats.
And one more thing. People have been saying the Valley is run by religious fundamentalists, that the incrowd at Valley schools (at least in the 80s) were these religious types. Question: then why were some of the most popular people in Sarah’s class not in any way religious? Why wasn’t Sarah popular UNTIL senior year. She wasn’t unpopular, she was just PAINFULLY shy to the point of perpetual blushing.
This has never been addressed and that’s one of the parts of Dunn’s book I found weird. Other parts were just outright lies.
It’s unfortunate that people jump on the hatin Sarah Palin bandwagon just because it seems to be the cool thing. Blind hate is never okay. Sarah doesn’t hate anyone. She doesn’t respect people with negative agendas offering poor insight into her life. A life that consisted (s) of sweet childhood memories, a huge supportive family, and genuine happiness. There’s a reason people who meet her today love her. She’s that warm and compassionate.
After reading your long comment, I now doubt some of the people you spoke with. That is NOT the Sarah people knew in high school. Was she competitive, of course. Good parents push their kids to succeed. But she was incredibly sweet and just a quiet girl who never said boo to anyone. As a pageant girl, she was equally sweet and supportive of her peers. Even as a council member and mayor, she was open and friendly to everyone, including servers in restaurant (this has been documented). She was no stranger to inviting people into her home and heart.
Is it any wonder why she now seems to be more hesitant to behave this way? People seek attention and will say anything to validate themselves. It’s quite sad actually. But, at the end of the day, Sarah has her amazing family and friends.
LIsa, Conservative4life and others: What’s wrong with you that you can’t get this through your closed skulls? We DON’T HATE SARAH PALIN. We hate WHAT SHE HAS DONE TO OUR COUNTRY. She is the one who made it ok to yell “kill him” in reference to a political candidate, who left her small town deep in debt and claims to be a fiscal conservative, whose many lies are well documented, making it ok to be a liar. Please go away and take her with you so WE can have our country back.
Uh, look… horses are cool, Springsteen is cool, the fact he has money to spend I don’t begrudge him in the least given his talent… but it’s just a little overly grotesque to paint “waiting his turn at the horse show” as somehow showing the Common Touch… I’m just responding to the absurdity of the previous commenter.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the national governing body for the horse sport in the United States, conducted a survey of its 85,000 members and produced these statistics.
The average household income of members was $185,000, which is over three times that of all households in the United States. Almost all of the members own their own home, and the average home value is $594,000, with 22% of members owning two or more homes. … According to demographics compiled by the USEF, the average member…
Has a home value of $594,000
Has a household income of $185,000
Net worth over $500,000
22% own a 2nd home
Owns three vehicles; 53% own a pick-up truck
55% have automobiles that were purchased last year
40% own a farm estate with acreage
Participate in at least 14 equestrian events annually
Spends more than 30 nights per year in hotels
43% travel on airlines more than 16 times a year
Jes’ hanging with the homies! ;-))
what a crazy loon you are.
I suppose that’s why she’s constantly making hateful remarks about the president and his wife or for that matter anyone that doesn’t agree with her. She is an opportunist that will do and/or say anything including throwing her child under the bus to further line her pockets. You’re beyond naive, a family member or a paid tool to comment on blogs and spew the unmitigated bs you posted. Perhaps in high school sarah didn’t suffer from the mental unstableness she does now. Probably the worst thing she could be doing is the constant drinking and self medication she inflicts upon herself. The woman that used to cut my hair got horribly addicted to pain killers and she acted much like sarah. She also wasn’t aware of the fact that her drug abuse was so blatantly obvious to others just like sarah. If you view probably the last 10-15 interviews on faux with sarah you would have to be blind not to notice she is blitzed out of her mind on something.
Just listened to that CD all last weekend as I drove thru the smoky mountains. Replayed Tunnel of Love about 17 times.
I think there are probably many of us who remember our lives in “Bruce time” –junior high was “Nebraska,” high school was “Born in the USA,” early college years were “Tunnel of Love.” Childhood was “Born to Run.”
I can’t wait to read your perspective of Bruce, Joe. I’ll always love him, and remember him as the gorgeous, disheveled hunk who went with those luscious Levi’s on the cover of Born in the USA. And Miami Steve–and Clarence….the world will miss him always.
I’ll be really interested to see what your impression of the influence Patti Scialfa has had on the band. I’ve had several people tell me (concert promoters, building managers, etc.) that the nights she is NOT with the band are better shows. That the boys let loose a little more & leave it all on the stage. Just will be interested in your thoughts on that. 🙂
Can’t wait!
Nice job finding the numbers for the members of the USEF. So you think they’re the only ones who attend horse shows? Do you think that every horse show has USEF members attending for that matter? Do you think the Equine Affaires in Springfield, MA, Columbus, OH and Pomona, CA depend on USEF members to bring all 85,000 of their butts to shows. The Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI? I could go on.
I’ve been to at least fifty horse shows over the last three years and I can only think of three that would fit your description of the ‘beaucoup bucks’ crowd, and one doesn’t count because it was the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY in 2010. There’s horsemen/women with lots of money, others with some money, and others scraping by.
My point, which you managed to miss, was that from my view Springsteen walks around like everybody else whether they’re a groom or a trust funder. I’ve witnessed that myself and I’ve heard the same about him in Wellington. There was nothing ‘absurd’ or ‘grotesque’ about my original comment. And your phrasing reeks of condescension and smugness. People in the horsing world aren’t like you. They’re nice.
Go defend the Quitter elsewhere…we’re talking about Bruce Springsteen here not the dimwit! People here have read all the facts about her and base their opinions regarding the facts not fantasy. I guess Palin supporters don’t read.
Nicely done.
OY VAY! Seriously? I find your post to be a fairy tale. You wrote both the above posts didn’t you and there is so much that is wrong in them, I’m speechless. And that is rare.
Sarah Palin inspires more youth than President Barack Obama, the very first African American elected as president??
Are you serious because I’m sorry but that is ridiculous.
Also, this is about Bruce Springsteen. What does Sarah have to do with it?
Alright Dr. Who, I accept your challenge…I do not hide from truth if that is what it is. And… because I really do respect the journalistic integrity of Joe McGinnis. I do not participate in any myth building. I take Sarah Palin exactly as I see her. And what I see I like. She pulls no punches and that is rare for a politician.
I can understand your wanting to write about something more positive, and I think you would do an excellent job on Springsteen, especially the historic context.. Today I went to the local library to check out any of your previous books – I am a nonfiction reader and I like your writing style, but alas, nothing. Oh well, it’s Yuma AZ, but maybe I can get ahold of some of your earlier books through interlibrary loan. I will purchase your book on Sarah though.
Denial much?
Even if someone who knew you, an old trusted friend perhaps, placed blatant evidence of Palin’s disingenuity, hypocricy, pathological mendacity, and so on— if that person put this information in front of you, you’d still maintain your support of her.
You wrote, “I take Sarah Palin exactly as I see her. And what I see I like.” See what I mean. Of course not— you don’t want to.
Thank you for the gratuitous personal attack! Shows how “nice” the horse show people are…
My point is that it’s a privileged world.
Pretending it isn’t is just foolish.