I see this was diaried a few days back, but no one took notice. Now TPM has the audio and I can't believe what an amazing endorsement Obama has received. Ralph Stanley, the 81-year old legend of bluegrass music, should be a McCain voter, and if not that, should at least be swayed by Palin. He is a deeply Christian man who has spent his entire life in rural, conservative SW Virginia. His music is, to paraphrase the good Governor, as six-pack as you can get. He signs about heartache, loss, God, fooling around, and all the stuff that makes life worth living.
I was lucky enough to catch him and his band (now led by his son, who is also an accomplished musician) in a tiny town in West Virginia nearly a decade ago. No concert I've seen approached the beauty of a Ralph Stanley show in a tiny community center before about 50 people. If he comes through your town, definitely check him out.
Enough digression. Here's his endorsement of Obama, which is running on radio in SW Virginia: http://e1.video.blip.tv/...
I don't know how to embed audio, so please forgive me. Anyhoo, if Virginia is close now, this should help Obama immensely. Ralph comes off as truly behind Obama, and puts in such a way you'd be a fool not to vote for him. Bravo!
Update: Here's part of the transcript, according to our friends at TPM...
"Howdy, friends. This is Ralph Stanley, and I think I know a little something about the families around here," the spot runs.
"Barack'll cut taxes for everyday folks -- not big business -- so you'll have a little more money in your pocket at the end of the year," he continues. "I also know Barack is a good man. A father and devoted husband, he values personal responsibility and family first."
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpoi...
Update 2: I've been out of the office and just now see it's made the list. I'm thrilled to see so many folks appreciate the good Dr.