Springsteen Defends Obama Before a Rally in Battleground States

NORTH JERSEY -- Bruce Springsteen published a staunch defense of the record and promise of President Obama on Wednesday, a day ahead of a campaign rally in the battleground state of Ohio and a performance at Iowa State University.

Springsteen, who is set to appear at the Ohio rally with former President Clinton, writes that Obama showed "grit, determination and focus" as he faced "extraordinary" opposition and "economic chaos" left behind by the Bush Administration.

"Domestically, that record includes working to increase and expand employment for all, protecting our all important social safety net, passing guaranteed health care for most of our citizens, with important new protections for all of the insured, rescuing the auto industry and so many of the American jobs that go with it, protecting and enhancing the rights of women, and bringing us closer to full acceptance of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters."

Clint Eastwood is a Romney fan, and Bruce is for Obama ... do celebrity endorsements matter to other voters? Leave a comment?

Springsteen also wrote that "anti-citizen" Republican voter suppression efforts are not receiving the attention they deserve.

The Monmouth County resident also came out in support of two "sterling" candidates—Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Elizabeth Warren, who is challenging Republican Senator Scott Brown in Massachusetts.

"Right now, we need a President who has a vision that includes all of our citizens, not just some," Springsteen wrote. "Whether they are our devastated poor, our pressured middle class, and yes, the wealthy too; whether they are male or female, black, white, brown, or yellow, straight or gay, civilian or military."

Springsteen's appearance with Clinton is scheduled for late Thursday morning, while his Ames, Iowa performance is set for 1 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum.