(Molly Bruns, Headline USA)”Rich Men North of Richmond” singer Oliver Anthony posted a berating message in response to his song being played at last week’s GOP primary debate.
Moderator Martha MacCallum of Fox News opened the debate by playing a brief clip of the song, and allowed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to respond.
DeSantis put the onus on the Biden administration, claiming “Bidenomics” was the root of many Americans grievances, according to Variety. Anthony, however, disagreed and corrected the governor, claiming that DeSantis was one of the men he sang about as well.
“It was funny seeing my song at the presidential debate, because I wrote that song about those people, you know. So for them to have to sit there and listen to that, that cracks me up,” Anthony said.
“It was funny seeing the response to it. That song has nothing to do with Joe Biden—it’s a lot bigger than Joe Biden,” he said. “That song is written about the people on that stage—and a lot more, too. Not just them, but definitely them.”
He's not saying it doesn't matter who is in power. The whole song is a scathing critique of those who are.
He's saying that there are corporate-owned establishment politicians in both parties – including many on the GOP debate stage. That's uncontroversial in populist politics.
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) August 27, 2023
Anthony went on to attack both conservatives and liberals, demanding they stop “weaponizing” the song.
“I see the right trying to characterize me as one of their own, and I see the left trying to discredit me, I guess in retaliation,” he said. “That s**t’s got to stop.”
I. Don't. Support. Either. Side. Politically. Not the left, not the right. Im about supporting people and restoring local communities.
Now, go breath some fresh air and relax. Please? 🙂 I'm not worth obsessing over, I promise. Go spend time with your loved ones.
— Oliver Anthony (@AintGottaDollar) August 26, 2023
Anthony reportedly turned down a deal with a record label, and instead opted to write and produce his own music.
“I don’t know how many shows I’m going to do and how many tours I’m gonna put on,” Anthony said. “But I am going to stay true to my word. I’m going to write, produce and distribute authentic music that represents people and not politics.”
He went on, adding that he would use his influence and music to try and stop inordinately high government influence.
“There’s been too many people die. There’s been too many people sacrifice everything they’ve had…” he said, tearing up. “Just for us to all sit here and do the stupid shit it is that we do every day that keeps us all beat down and divided. That’s what I want to see stop.”
