Trace Adkins to Outspoken Celebrities: Don't 'Puke up Your Liberal Stuff on Me'

Photo of Justin McCarthy.

Country music and "American Carol" star Trace Adkins appeared on the December 1 edition of "The O’Reilly Factor" to decry liberal pop stars preaching from the stage. Channeling Laura Ingraham, Adkins said of fellow entertainers "I just want to hear your tunes. I don’t want to hear you puke up your liberal stuff at me." Host Bill O’Reilly jokingly observed "that sounds like a song."

Adkins explained that. despite his conservative politics, he does not "use the stage as a political platform" because people spent their "hard earned money" to hear him sing not preach. When O’Reilly asked if such political preaching is "annoying" the country singer affirmatively replied "it is to me" to those artists who feel "more enlightened" than most.

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The transcript follows.

BILL O’REILLY: There’s no doubt that you’re a conservative traditional guy and many country music performers are there. And then you go to Hollywood where you were and then New York with the music industry and you see very liberal people. Why the split?

TRACE ADKINS: You know, there is a split I, I would agree with you there, but I would have to say too, though, I know a lot of guys in the rock, pop world that are conservative. It’s just that they can’t really be that outspoken and out front with it because their fan base is not going to appreciate it and they’re going to, you know, and so I think that, that’s why the perception is the way it is.

O’REILLY: So are you saying that because the pop world is probably more liberal, they don’t say anything, is the converse true because the fan base in the music world is more conservative, that, that’s why people go that way?

ADKINS: Well, I think there probably are more conservatives in country music. I didn’t mean to insinuate the opposite. But I think that ones that are liberal that do sing country music, they just aren’t very vocal about it.

O’REILLY: Well, look what happened to the Dixie Chicks. They lost their fan base-

ADKINS: Perfect example.

O’REILLY: -in, in country music. So it’s almost a reverse pressure on the performers in the music industry. You have to figure out what your base wants to hear, not only musically but also if you want to delve into these politics.

ADKINS: Yeah, or you can just choose to do kind of what I do and I just don’t put it out there too much. I don’t talk about it that much, you know. And I certainly don’t do it on stage in my shows because-

O’REILLY: Why not?

ADKINS: Because people don’t buy tickets, they don’t spend their hard earned money to buy tickets to come to their show to hear me get on stage and preach to them my political philosophy. And, and I don’t use the stage as a political platform. I get up there and sing the songs that they’ve heard on the radio, songs that they’ve heard on my albums. That’s what they came to hear.

O’REILLY: Now, Willie Nelson, he does the opposite.

ADKINS: There, well, there are some entertainers who are known for, for that. And you know when you buy a ticket to their show-

O’REILLY: You’re going to get that.

ADKINS: You’re going to get preached too.

O’REILLY: Absolutely.

ADKINS: But I, I never been on that-

O’REILLY: Do you think, do you think, is that annoying to you?

ADKINS: It is to me, you know, because I think that there are a lot of people that buy into this thing and they start buying into their own press and their own hype-

O’REILLY: Aren’t you an artist?

ADKINS: You know, I’m a singer man. I sing country songs right? The artist sings-

O’REILLY: You write them too though.

ADKINS: I write some, yeah. But I, I think that some of the artists start thinking that they’re more enlightened than you or I are.

O’REILLY: But you’re a movie star too.

ADKINS: Yeah.

O’REILLY: I mean, you’re an actor, you’re a writer, you’re a song- and singer. You’re really an artist.

ADKINS: I, you know, I have a good time trying to entertain people. I don’t consider myself, you know, Picasso was an artist, you know. And I do know some artists in the music business, some guys that write and are experts in their particular instrument and they’re good singers and that thing.

O’REILLY: Well, so what you’re saying to me is that when you see these people, like Neil Young is probably the best example, take themselves ultra seriously, that takes away from the entertainment value?

ADKINS: It does to me, sort of, you know. I just want to hear the tunes and I don’t want to hear you puke up your, you know, liberal stuff on me. I don’t want, I don’t want that.

O’REILLY: You puke up your liberal stuff- that sounds like a song, that you may be able to make!

ADKINS: Well, you got to wait until it dries to brush it off, you know, I don’t want that.

O’REILLY: Look, you know, I’m with you. You know, when I pay the money to go see you guys, I just want to be entertained by what you guys do.

ADKINS: Just take me away for a few months.

O’REILLY: You know, I got to do this five days a week here. I don’t want to hear it when I’m on my down time.


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Didn't Denzel Washington

Call Katie Couric out on this topic years ago? Embarrassed the hell out of her as I recall. Sure would love to find that clip somewhere.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

this interview?

this interview? It may not have the spin you think its does.  It's also been snope'd

Couric: "Denzel, are you-- do you feel-- you know some people say Hollywood folks should stick to acting."

Washington: "I don't know what Hollywood folks are, first of all. Hollywood is a town that has some stars on the sidewalk. I don't know anybody from there. So, I don't-- that's like saying-- calling you a type of folks. I'm not a Hollywood folk. I don't know who they are."

Couric: "Okay, all right, well, let me rephrase the question. Are you one of those people that—"

Washington: "Ah, there you go. Am I one of those people? Hmmm, isn't that interesting?"

Couric: "Oh, stop, stop, stop."

Washington: "No, don't stop.  I heard what you just said.  "Am I one of those people?"  No, I'm not."

Couric: "No, are you an actor who would rather not—"

Washington: "No, I'm not that either. I'm a human being. My job is acting."

Couric: "Okay, are you somebody who would rather not express his political views publicly? I mean how do you feel about that? Some people are more outspoken than others. And what I meant, are you one of the people who would rather keep it private? Don't make my questions loaded when they're not."

Washington: "Would I rather keep it private? No, I'm not one of those people. I think I speak what's on my mind."

Couric: "And how do you feel about the current political situation?"

Washington: "You know, I haven't seen ‘Fahrenheit 9/11,’ because I live in America. I grew up here. I'm an ex-slave. I'm a result of what this country can do. So it's nothing knew to me. I'm not surprised at all. It's just business as usual.  What I want to talk about is, what are we doing right now, today, for these young kids that are coming home? Are we embracing them? I don't hear about them being lifted up. I mean, I'm not just talking about a parade but—"

Couric: "Are they getting the support they need."

Washington: "Are they getting the support and love they need from us? And maybe that story's being told, but I sure haven't seen it that much in the news. Yeah, they're pointing fingers about who was right and whose wrong and who started what and where the weapons of mass destruction. But these kids are coming home."

Streep: "Uh-huh."

"If you think you're finished shopping for Christmas, why not start on next year"

thanks guys!

I'll bet Katie still cringes when she thinks about it.

In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.

Here is the link to the

Here is the link to the interview.

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5489846/ 

 

oops no real video just picture.

This man makes more sense

This man makes more sense that anyone of those "MTV" minions. Who says country folk are somehow dumb or backwards?

Every time I hear "You're Gonna Miss This", or "Arlington", or seeing his new video with Stephen Baldwin, always brings tears to my eyes.

 

Start each day with a smile, then get it over with. - W.C. Fields

It's about time

It's about time SOMEONE told those entertainers that we only want to see them act or hear them sing.  We don't want their political opinions which are mostly trash.  They have every right to vote for the candidate of their choice, but don't shove YOUR candidate down MY throat. I am sick of hearing it.

Thanks for the Denzel/Couric interview.  Denzel certainly chapped her hide.  Loved it!

 

"If we conservatives moved to those seven non-existent States, the government couldn’t find us and tax us to death!" 

Louisiana Fellow

I am proud to say that Trace Atkins is from a small Louisiana town just a few miles from where I live. We are proud of him, too!!

Yea that is good for us

Considering we have to own up for Britney Spears as well. : ]

 

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

O'Really?

Bull O'Really? said "Well, look what happened to the Dixie Chicks. They lost their fan base-"

That explains the five (5!) Grammy Awards in February 2007, huge sales of their music, video award nominations, and all the rest.  Guess O'Really? didn't watch "Shut Up and Sing."

They sure tanked, all right...

Bill's correct. They lost

Bill's correct. They lost their country fan base.

The Grammy's are presided by like minded liberal lunatics and have been a meaningless joke since they awarded Jethro Tull a heavy metal award years ago.

 

Start each day with a smile, then get it over with. - W.C. Fields

→ kevcad

As an avid Jethro Tull fan, I am not in the least offended by your observation.  Crest of a Knave was anything but Heavy Metal.

I was embarrassed by that pick for the category.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

CA, Doesn't the album

CA,

Doesn't the album title "Thick as a Brick" perfectly define Frank and all his liberal ilk?

→ Sure does

Some lyrics form Gerald Milton Bostock's poem fit perfectly as well

See there! A son is born -- and we pronounce him fit to fight.
There are black-heads on his shoulders, and he pees himself in the night.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

keycad:

You're spinning.

I believe the CMA nominated the Chicks for two video awards - is that organization infested with liberal thought as well?

Bull just makes this stuff up as he goes along.  I'm sure he got his statistics on the Chicks' fan base from The Paris Business Review...

Plenty of libs in Nashville

The CMA may not be as far left as NARAS, but there are plenty of libs in Nashville.  You might have noticed that Toby Keith, who got into a public feud with the Chicks, is routinely snubbed at these award shows in spite of the fact that he sells many times more CD's and concert tickets as the girls do these days.  So the CMA isn't exactly a redneck bunch either. 

Welcome to the era of unity, you racist!

First off, it's 'kevcad',

First off, it's 'kevcad', not 'keycad'. Get it right (pun intended), if you possibly can. Shall I start calling you 'Fwank'?

You say I'm spinning? You're trying to make a point using the Grammy's as a litmus test for a country group. Sure, they gave the DC's plenty of awards. But they haven't faired as well with the ACM's or CMA's. Even when their name is announced at the ceremonies, the resultant applause is not as enthusiastic compared to the other nominated artists.

I wouldn't know the particular political persuation of the ACM's or CMA's, but I suspect that they're center-right as most of the south and the USA (election not withstanding) and don't lean very far left.

 

Start each day with a smile, then get it over with. - W.C. Fields

→ Wow Frank

I really didn't think you'd go there.

The Dixies got their Grammys as a result of the entertainment industry loving a good protest song.  "Not Ready To Make Nice" as a single (only) hit from their 5 Grammy Winning CD.

Even K.T. Tunstall and James Blunt got more than one hit off of their albums that year.

I'm sure you bought the Chicks CD, didn't you?

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE!

The Grammy's are a farce. 

The Grammy's are a farce.  The Industry picking it's "BEST".  Remember when Boston lost "Best New Artist" to theStarland Vocal Band?  Which band is more relevent today?  Or when Jethro Tull won for Best Hard Rock/Metal.  Are they FRIGGIN KIDDING!!!!!

Dixie Chicks?  meh, I would not care to listen to them, musically or politically.

Hollywood Garbagemen

          I don't and will not spend any of my money on that Hollywood garbage .   Trace is one reason why country music is still growing by leaps and bounds.  Who wants to hear rappers, actors etc. , spew there politcal views.

Go Trace...

Yes!!! 

Country music is a staple in the music industry. Even old songs are still gold. It's growing in fan base still and one of the most popular forms of music out there.

PS--I never liked the Dixie Chicks. When they did thier protest it just pissed off those few fans who did like them.

 

Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Hooray for Trace

I never listen to country music but Trace Adkins is right-on.

A big hug to Trace....I saw

A big hug to Trace....I saw the interview last night....he spoke for millions of us out here in the real world.

Opie/Ron Howard may want to take notice.

 "America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

refreshing ... for a change

i give the guy credit for admitting what many people have felt for years ... we've created a good many millionaires by purchasing the music of these performers ... not their political opinions.  being paid well for writing lyrics, singing or playing an instrument does not warrant expertise or even valued opinions regarding political strategy, constitutional rights, amendments, military strategy or scientific knowledge on weather, biology or geology.

in 1996, i attended a pearl jam concert in charlotte, nc ... the band was over an hour late to begin with ... then, during a break, they had gloria steinham step on the stage to lecture the crowd ... i walked out and went home before the concert even resumed.  a few years later, i saw them again at the va beach amphitheatre without any incidents ... a year later, the self-annoited intellectual eddie vedder mumbled some barely-discernable rant about bush and oil ... i haven't played a tune of theirs ever since ... i won't even tarnish my guitar by playing their songs.

thank you trace adkins ... you appreciate that our hard-earned money is being spent on your talents and areas of expertise in music ... and not as an amateur political hack. 

That is funny

I have seen more then one show, where the crowed started chanting "shut up and play", but then I live down here with the back wood folks.

 

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg