November 3, 2012 15:06

Arcade Fire's Win Butler writes pro-Barack Obama essay

Singer wants 'four more sweet years of Canadians liking Americans'

Photo Gallery: Arcade Fire
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Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler has penned an essay supporting US President Barack Obama's campaign for re-election.

In a long piece written for the 90 Days, 90 Reasons blog, the singer joked that he wanted "four more sweet years of Canadians liking Americans" and praised Obama's charisma and ability as a communicator.

"Barack Obama is perhaps the greatest president of modern times at communicating directly with foreign populations," he writes. "He has also changed the way the government communicates with its own citizens about the outside world."

He adds: "I am excited for four more years of an Obama presidency for many reasons, but the one I am going to write about is selfish: I want four more sweet years of Canadians liking Americans. The Republicans will try to convince America that President Obama being a good communicator is somehow a bad thing.

"Often times politicians act as if the only use of public speaking is trying to get elected. In fact, this kind of personal charisma is perhaps the most direct way a president can pursue America's interests abroad."

Butler also criticised Republican nominee Mitt Romney's communication skills and cited his visit to the UK during this summer's Olympics as evidence, stating: "In attempting to pander to a US audience and show how 'presidential' he was, he ended up convincing our greatest ally that he's prone to terrible gaffes that could jeopardize relationships with our allies – delicate relationships where a few misplaced words can do great harm."

The singer is not the only artist to have voiced his support for Obama: in recent months, the likes of The National, Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z have all lent their star-power to the politician's election campaign.

Arcade Fire are currently working on a new album, which will be the follow-up to their 2010 effort 'The Suburbs'. Earlier this month, a new track by the band, titled 'Crucified Again', surfaced online – scroll down to the bottom of the page and click to listen.

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