Grammy-award winning singer Sheryl Crow is scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the first Democratic primary debate being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 13.
Crow, who calls herself an “avid follower of politics,” said she is as anxious as other interested voters to hear from those seeking to nab the Democratic presidential nomination.
“I think most people know that I’m a Democrat,” Crow told CNN. “I’m fascinated with the process and I’m going to be excited to actually be there when our candidates debate.”
The singer is an outspoken environmentalist who in 2010 received the Natural Resources Defense Council Forces For Nature Award. In May she teamed up with the Blue Jeans Go Green initiative which turns denim into insulation for homes to help Habitat for Humanity rebuild homes in New Orleans in honor of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Crow listed the environment as a topic she hopes to see embraced by the candidates.
“To me that’s the mother topic,” she said. “All else fails if our planet isn’t healthy.”
Crow also said she’s hopping there will be a push among Democrats to help middle-class and poorer families by raising the minimum wage.
Debates are vital, she said, to try and filter out the noise of the pundits.
“There are a lot of people who have no business being pundits and I think sometimes the American people get caught up in (which pundit) is saying what, when really it’s probably best to listen to what the candidates have to say.”
“Knowing the political system and how little gets done every year for so many years it’s hard to know when a political candidate stands up for what he believes in,” she said.
“It’s hard to believe that it could actually, possibly get done. But, that being said, it’s still important to be involved in the political system and to feel like your voice will be heard and the only way your voice will be heard is to go to the polls.”
As for Crow, she said she’s not yet decided who she will support and will pay close attention to the debate.
“I want to hear what everyone has to say and see where I fall.”