Wednesday Open Thread: Now *That's* a Concert Lineup!
Donald Trump hates Barack Obama for several reasons.
He hates the fact that Obama publicly mocked him at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner. He hates the fact that Obama never lost a presidential election. He hates the fact that he and Obama occupied the same home for four years. He hates the fact that Obama has a loving family and is in a lifelong committed relationship with his wife. And he hates the fact that his face will forever be placed next to that of a Black man in the lineup of American presidents.
But perhaps more than anything, Donald J. Trump hates Barack Obama because he is so much cooler than he is.
Obama never stumbled around looking lost on the world stage. He was never out of place, whether it was meeting foreign heads of state or A-list actors. He brought culture to the White House grounds, from classical music performances to Hamilton. When Obama went to sporting events, he sat courtside with fans rather than in the owner's luxury box. When fans reacted to his image on the big screen, there was near-universal applause rather than audible boos. All this happened because Barack Obama, despite being the most powerful man in the world, never saw himself as superior to others. He understood and respected history and those who helped pave the way for his unlikeliest of journeys. His humility made him relatable, and it was that same humility and easygoing nature that allowed him to befriend some of the greatest artists of our time. And when your friend Barack Hussein Obama invites you to perform at the opening of his presidential library, you simply don't say no.
Tomorrow's star-studded concert is a reflection of the relationships Barack Obama has accrued over the years. The diversity of the lineup is a testament to how Obama celebrated the multiculturalism that makes America so great. Throughout his time as president, Barack Obama would provide year-end lists of his favorite songs and would often include overlooked and underappreciated artists of color, focusing heavily on rising artists. At the same time, Obama never shied away from giving legendary artists opportunities to perform on the biggest of stages. Whether it was Aretha Franklin or Beyoncé performing at his inaugurations or artists like Usher, Shakira, Herbie Hancock, or Smokey Robinson performing at the evening's galas and balls, each artist was hand-picked by Barack and Michelle Obama as a way to honor their careers and to introduce their music to the latest generation. Combined with their hosting of a live White House concert series that honored soul, country, gospel, and Latin music, it was clear how much music meant to the Obamas and how passionate they were about bringing live music to the People's White House. It wasn't about bringing in someone based on their politics, but rather bringing in someone who helped define an era or an entire generation of music.
When you bring that passion and love of history to music, artists and bands take note. That is why Thursday's opening lineup consists of such amazing musical performers. It is the type of lineup that Donald Trump cannot attract because he has no appreciation of history whatsoever. Not only is Donald Trump a raging racist, but he also fails to understand why so many figures in pop culture hate his guts. He simply doesn't get that the whole purpose of music is to break down barriers, not put them up. The artists performing on Thursday understand that music is a great connector; it can bring together people across languages, cultures, religions, and generations. Donald Trump's politics seek to divide us while musicians inherently seek to bring people together. While there will be those like Vanilla Ice, Kid Rock, and Ted Nugent who will willingly perform for His Majesty The Donald, any artist or band worth a lick knows better. There's a reason why so many artists and bands pulled out of Trump's Freedom 250 event, and that reason is that Trump's brand is now and will forever be toxic in a way that alienates fans who don't support the racist-in-chief. Performing a Trump event now carries much more risk and little to no reward for any and all musical acts.
Not so for those playing tomorrow, though. Because Barack Obama remains immensely popular. And he remains so much cooler than Donald Trump, as evidenced by his opening day concert lineup. So while Trump wanders aimlessly throughout Europe tomorrow, let's sit back and enjoy the kickoff to the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Library. These are some of the greatest living performers we have today, and we can't help but swell with pride knowing they have the Obama seal of approval. They'll be there performing because they believe in President Obama and are honored to take part in what will surely be a historic four days in the South Side of Chicago. This isn't about showing up at a political rally; this is about honoring the historic 44th president of the United States and his contribution to the neighborhood that made him and his wife who they are today. When the purpose is about a greater good rather than a hate-filled political rally, that tends to attract the biggest names in music today.
Funny how that works.