Bebe Winans performed during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The performance was heavily commented about on social networks, and many African-Americans express disapproval.
It’s no secret that African-Americans traditionally vote democratic, but BeBe Winans did express that his performance was not a political endorsement. The popular gospel singer performed two numbers on the convention’s closing night — his song “America, America,” from his new CD of the same title, and “America the Beautiful,” as the convention came to an end.
But to those wondering whether Winans was pulling a Clint Eastwood (without the empty chair routine) and endorsing Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Winans says not so fast.
“Why not be here? Why not be part of the process. It’s all about letting people know that we are Americans first, before any association with any party, so that’s why I’m here,” Winans said after his performance, adding that he hopes to perform at the Democratic convention next week also.
A spokesman for Winans said he was approached by both parties to perform at their presidential nominating conventions, but that the Democratic National Committee balked at his performing at the RNC, while the RNC didn’t mind him doing both. Winans was not paid for his performance.
BeBe Winans is one of the most successful Gospel artists of all time. BeBe and his Sister CeCe recently received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The question is why did the Democratic committee not want Winans?
