She hasn't forgotten. Years have passed — a successful chunk of time that made her a household name through American Idol and a debut album — but Crystal Bowersox remembers what is was like to rely on services like Planned Parenthood for cancer screenings and women's health issues. And that's why, a few weeks ago, she came back to Ohio to campaign with U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur for President Barack Obama. The Toledo City Paper caught up with Bowersox to talk about the importance of Planned Parenthood, going door-to-door where she grew up, the current state of the grassroots movement and what she's up to musically.
What inspired you to campaign for President Obama?
Mostly because of women's issues. Obviously there are so many things, but, in particular, for the ladies.
What do you think Obama will do or continue to do — that his opponent won't — for women's issues?
After watching the second debate, I'm convinced he stands on the side of women. Romney used the word 'if' when he was talking about women in the work place, which shows me how out of touch he is with the needs of women and the fact that women are continually rising as the bread winners in households now. He had binders full of women because he couldn't find one that was qualified; it doesn't add up to me. President Obama has a record of passing legislation that is pro-women. Mitt Romney stands to cut all funding for Planned Parenthood. There are plenty of women that rely on those services — I was one. In college, I needed those things; I needed cancer screenings and general health appointments. I'm happy to pay the taxes that go to those programs.
How do you think celebrities give a candidate an edge or help bring attention to an issue?
When you're on television and people know who you are you have this megaphone. Why wouldn't you use it? I think it's inexcusable to [do nothing] when you could get someone to the polls.
It seems like the President can pull a lot of support from celebrities. Why do you think that is?
It's what he stands for. A lot of celebrities, at least on the liberal side of things, started out poor and are now on the other side. Me, for example, I support what the president's about and pulling everyone up; that we can all form a strong nation. We are only as strong as our weakest link. Everyone deserves a fair shot. None of the celebrities would be where they are if they weren't given a fair shot.
You made made six stops in Ohio this weekend. What was it like to be around where you grew up, on the campaign trail and hanging out with Congresswoman Kaptur?
I have so much love and respect for that woman. I met her a couple of times now. It was nice to see her again. It was nice to hang out with some familiar faces, in familiar places and talk to the people I grew up with, people I went to school with, people who knew my grandfather, people who know my dad. Just seeing how passionate these people are about President Obama and what he stands for. It was amazing to go door-to-door, side-by-side with the people I know and love. It was a wonderful experience.
Do you think that the grassroots movement is as strong this year as it was for the last election?
I don't know. I definitely think it's strong; I don't know if it's as strong as last election. People expected things to change overnight and that's not realistic. You can only accomplish so much. But, the grassroots effort is still very strong, from what I saw. There were large groups of people and we all walked together and knocked on every door possible. That's the way to do it to bring a community together: You have to get to know your neighbors and talk to them and start conversations with them.
What are you up to musically right now?
I just resigned to an independent label, Shanachie Entertainment. They are one of the longest-running independent labels in the industry. I'll be working on a new record all fall and it should be ready by spring. And I have some acting gigs coming up.
Some acting gigs…
Yeah, I'm dabbling. I can't really go into detail, but I'm going to do a whole bunch of stuff; I'm thinking about doing a cookbook. I don't know. I'll do whatever I want [laughs]. The possibilities are endless.
Are you touring this way anytime soon?
I definitely hope to, after the album's finished. Then I'll start scheduling some shows.
