November 4, 2008 15:50

Flaming Lips back Obama, but tell voters 'not to give up yet'

Plus Wayne Coyne tells US not to forget local politics

The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne has backed Barack Obama in his bid to be elected as the next US president, as America goes to the polls today (November 4).

The singer was hopeful the Democratic challenger would beat Republican candidate John McCain, but urged his supporters not to get complacent and to get out and vote.

"Well, let's hope it's going to be fucking Obama rather than the Palin/McCain thing," declared Coyne. "I don't want people to be over-confident and relaxed though. People need to keep going.

"Let's hope it's Obama though. It would make people's attitudes change, it shows you it can be more than a dream. We've got a lot of racist and stupidly religious people so there's still a lot of work to do. But it does look hopeful. Let's keep working and make this a reality."

However, Coyne also urged people to get involved with local politics too.

"I worry a lot more about the guys in my neighbourhood. I want it to be Obama because I believe in him and believe he's a great spokesman but I'm concerned that people vote locally," he explained. "I'm as involved in local politics as you can be. I meet with our mayor and the presidential election isn't everything. And you can shape that."