Russell Simmons calls Obama “a mouse”
Found on a website called 2008 Central
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Sphere: Related ContentIn a recent interview, Russell Simmons talks about Barack Obama and John Edwards.
Simmons displays indifference about Obama’s campaign and even refers to him as a “mouse”…
Deborah Solomon:What do you make of Barack Obama, who recently said that rap musicians should reform their lyrics?
Russell Simmons:What we need to reform is the conditions that create these lyrics. Obama needs to reform the conditions of poverty. I wish he really did raise his money on the Internet, like he said. I wish he really did raise his money independently.
Deborah Solomon: What are you saying? I think about one-fourth of his campaign contributions came from small donations made over the Internet, even though he collected more than any other Democratic candidate from Wall Street people.
Russell Simmons: So at the end of the day, he’s controlled, too. That’s my point. He’s a mouse, too, like everybody else.
Simmons expressed a more positive view of John Edwards (maybe it was the yoga?)…
Deborah Solomon: Are there any presidential candidates who inspire you?
Russell Simmons:I talk to John Edwards more than I talk to anyone. He has said more things about the conditions we need to think about. He went to yoga with me. He did the whole class, an hour and a half. He sweated like crazy. He’s in good shape, but it was hard on him.
This interview is telling…
- This interview underscores the tension between Obama and the Hip-Hop community. I don’t believe this tension has surfaced yet, but when it does, it won’t be pretty for Obama.
- Simmons’ remarks also reminds us that Edwards is a very strong candidate. I think what makes Edwards so powerful is that he’s in a position to get plenty of attention, while avoiding the intense scrutiny that frontrunners face. He clearly has worked towards establishing strong relationships with important demographics.
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