On the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 28, President Barack Obama will speak in Library Mall. Prior to his speech, rock superstar Ben Harper will perform. Daily Cardinal Arts contributor Kalie Riemer talk to him about this visit.
Q: How does it feel to open for President Barack Obama?
A: It's a great honor.
Q: Do you mind sharing your set list with us?
A: I actually don't have my set list. I'm looking to play ""Better Way"", ""With My Own Two Hands"", hopefully I'll have time to play a few.
Q: What kind of political messages do you hope your songs will resonate with students, if you have any?
A: I hope my music resonates with anyone who hears it, feels it, with students or with people who are not students. I would just love for the songs that I write to resonate in a soulful, sincere way. For me, messages are a challenging subject only because messages should come from messengers and I'm not a messenger. I just love to write songs and hope that they can convey a feeling that's meaningful in people's lives. Again, the music I love gives me messages but when you turn the table and ask me about my own messages, I kind of run for cover so I apologize for that. It's just that most importantly I'd like it to have a sincere message.
Q: Do politics and leaders like Obama move you to write music?
A: Yeah, the social circumstance and environment ends up coming out in musical ways at different times, sometimes in opposition, sometimes in support.
Q: Is there any current issues, like maybe the war or healthcare that you want advocated at this rally?
A: You know, I do have very, very strong opinions on the war, on abortion, on gay rights but I probably shouldn't abuse you with them. And I'm not sure that this rally is the time for me to take the microphone on those issues. I am here to sing and I support President Obama and again I'm very proud and excited to be here and hopefully I can bring a heightened level of optimism to the process.
Q: Do you think music can motivate young voters to get involved in the political process?
A: Oh man, you tell me. I want to ask you that same question.
Q: Is that what you hope your music can do?
A: Oh man, are you kidding me? I'd love to hit the magic note that changes the world in an instant; that would be a dream come true. I'm just a hyper-realist and I recognize the limits of what music can do and I also recognize the limitless nature and potential of music. I approach it with that perspective. I just figure that direct action is bureaucracy ten times out of ten.
Q: Have you been doing anything else around campus? Are there any performances you've been doing up until this afternoon?
A: I've been doing some press and I had a great breakfast at the Sunroom, I highly recommend it. Other than that, I've got a couple friends who live here so I'm going to visit with some friends and just hang out. What a beautiful day here, too.
Q: Is there anything particularly special about your performance here today?
A: Anytime you get to share the stage with a President who has true humanity in his heart like President Obama, it's just super special for me. It's quite an opportunity and I really feel proud and privileged.
Ben Harper will perform at 4:45 p.m. prior to President Obama's speech.
