G.O.P. Gets Down with GOD

Imagine your eyes are closed and your hands are lifted toward the heavens. People around you are singing with an attitude of surrender and desperation. Some of those people are dancing in the aisles. Some are simply meditating on the words being sung. Now open your eyes. You're not at a Christian rock concert. You're at the Republican National Convention in New York City.

Surprised?

I certainly was when I read that the Republican National Convention's official list of celebrities included more than a few Gospel and Contemporary Christian music artists. (I use the term celebrity lightly. Early-'80s pinup star Bo Derek and Stephen Baldwin, star of 1996's "Biodome" are both on the list.) Headlining the musical entertainment are Michael W. Smith, a 25-year veteran of the Christian music world; Nicole C. Mullen, one of the newest divas to advance the kingdom; and Third Day, an Atlanta-based Christian rock band. Either the RNC was hard up for real celebrities, or they're planning on having a little church this week at Madison Square Garden.

In addition to lifting up the praises of W, are the Republicans really rolling out the red carpet for Jesus, possibly hoping he would give his personal endorsement to George W. Bush? If this is their goal, then they invited some of the best in the business. Because preparing big God entrances is exactly what Third Day, Mullen, Smith and other slated Christian performers are famous for-they usher in the presence of the Lord night after night in concert.

My first thought, obviously, was that the GOP was short on options. With Springsteen and company heading out on an Anti-Bush tour in October and true A-listers like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Dave Matthews Band, Jewel, and Alanis batting for the other team, I wondered if the Republicans ended up with names like the inspirational Gracie Rosenberger (No offense, but who is she?) and gospel newcomer Donnie McClurkin, who might just lose his heavily African-American (and very Democratic) fan base with this appearance.

Organizers, however, insist they aren't hard-up for celebs. "We have strong connections to Hollywood and all sectors of entertainment," says Frank Breeden, head of the convention's entertainment committee.

I'm left with a nagging feeling that this year, the entertainment choices seem more intentional, more calculated than in conventions past. It's true that more celebrities are getting out front with their beliefs. Heck, even blues prodigy Johnny Lang, another name on the Republican's short list, is rumored to have recently become born again. It's also true that the Christian performers are presenting not their usual godly material, but songs with a patriotic bent. Smith had a big hit with a 9/11 song three years ago. Mullen will be singing "The Star-Spangled Banner."

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