TRENTON — Bruce Springsteen kept his politics to himself during "The River" tour. But as he embarks on his book tour, he is speaking out.

"I do not think (Donald Trump) is going to win, but just that he is running for election is embarrassing," the Freehold native told the Norweigan media outlet NRK.

"He comes with simple answers to very complex questions. He tells people what they want to hear," such as building a wall because people are uncomfortable with the "browning of America."

Springsteen, long known for his liberal views, understands the appeal of a Trump candidacy to someone who may be economically distressed.

"It is very difficult to deal with the complexities of politics. When someone tells you that you should wait or be patient then it unfortunately creates a fertile ground for a demagogue," Springsteen said.

Springsteen's autobiography "Born to Run" goes on sale Tuesday and he will do a book signing at the Barnes & Noble store in his native Freehold Township.

In a separate interview with Rolling Stone, Springsteen called Trump's candidacy "a tragedy for our democracy. When you start talking about elections being rigged, you're pushing people beyond democratic governance. And it's a very, very dangerous thing to do."

He doesn't think that his opinion will have much of an impact on the vote.

"I think you have a limited amount of impact as an entertainer, performer or musician," Springsteen said, adding that he would have to consider if he were approached to throw his support behind Hillary Clinton. "I like Hillary. I think she would be a very, very good president."

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com

 

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