Russell Brand

Russell Brand hosted the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards last night.

The British comedian/hedonist/drug and sex addict turned the event decidedly political, slamming Republicans and campaigning for the election of Barack Obama.

Review: Russell Brand hosts the VMAs with candor

Early in his opening monologue, Brand pleaded: "Please, America, elect Barack Obama. On behalf of the world."

Most of the crowd, seemingly caught of guard, cheered, though at least a few pop stars didn't. The camera caught Britney Spears—who in 2003 said citizens should "just trust our president"—sitting quietly.

Partisanship, of course, can hurt sales. But Brand was refreshingly ignorant of many of the concerns that keep the lips of American pop stars zipped. For good measure—and surely stepping over the line—Brand referred to President Bush as "that retarded cowboy fellow."

After all, Brand has built his image on his candor and edginess. He's well-known across the pond as a standup comic, TV show host and radio DJ—but more so as an outlandish and hedonistic figure who speaks unabashedly about his prior drug and sex addictions.

AP Entertainment Writer Jake Coyle calls Brand "refreshingly ignorant of many of the concerns that keep the lips of American pop stars zipped."

Calling Bush a "retarded cowboy fellow" is refreshing?

Really?

American pop stars keep their lips zipped when it comes to politics? Really?

Wake up, Coyle.

...Sashaying around the stage in black leather, heeled shoes and snake skin scarf, Brand seemed to censor himself even less as the night wore on.

...Again and again, Brand—a confessed former sex addict—poked fun at young sex and abstinence. Speaking of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter's boyfriend and would-be father, Levi Johnston, Brand sympathized with him: "That is the safe sex message of all time. Use a condom or become a Republican!

Brand clearly angered some in attendance when he repeatedly joked about the Jonas Brothers, the sons of a pastor, all of whom wear purity rings as a symbol of their vow not to have premarital sex. At one point, Brand brandished one as if he had won it from a Jonas brother.

"American Idol" champ Jordin Sparks defended them: "I just wanna say, it's not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a slut, OK?"

...Brand surely won at least as many enemies as fans on Sunday night. But in contrast to some of the personality-less pop stars this "American Idol"-crazy country has been producing lately, an import was a welcome change.

I suppose MTV settled on Brand to host the event to spice it up. He's known for his candor and edginess. Controversy was the goal. And he obviously wasn't put on a tight leash. He had free rein.

It's MTV. It's Rock the Vote.

But this wasn't rocking the vote. It was mocking Republicans and those who elect not to have premarital sex. Sarah Palin's pregnant 17-year-old daughter was ridiculed--again.

Barack Obama's campaign can't control what Brand says, but I don't think it helps to have someone like him endorsing Obama.

Brand isn't remotely a family values guy. I can't imagine his shtick going over well in those small town and blue-collar households that Obama wants to win over and so desperately needs.

The problem wasn't so much what the offensive Brand said. It was the cheering and approval from most in the audience. Entertainment industry celebrities being on board with Brand and on board with Obama makes for an uncomfortable mix.

In terms of defining the values Republicans represent, Brand didn't hurt John McCain. He gave his campaign quite a gift.

In the long run, once word of Brand's performance and the audience's reaction circulates, I suspect McCain will be the biggest winner of the night.



obama vote
by burghnews