Willie Nelson Responds to Beto O’Rourke Backlash: ‘They’re Entitled to Their Opinions’
During Willie Nelson's appearance on The View on Tuesday (Sept. 18), the conversation turned to his upcoming performance at a rally for Beto O'Rourke — the Democratic nominee for the 2018 Senate Race in Texas.
Nelson has thoughts about the backlash he's received since publicly backing the candidate, but they're mostly peaceful. "I don't care," he says in response to more conservative country fans who are unhappy that he's supporting O'Rourke. "They're entitled to their opinions and I'm entitled to mine."
The country music icon will headline O'Rourke's rally on Sept. 29 in Austin, Texas.
Nelson tells The View hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin and Abby Huntsman he's been a lifelong supporter of Democrats — the negative reactions don't bother him. He adopts the "to each their own" mindset.
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O'Rourke is vying for the Texas Senate seat currently held by Republican Ted Cruz and is running his campaign based on grassroots support, not accepting money from PACs or corporations. O'Rourke shares in a press release that he's "grateful" for Nelson's support.
"I love flack," the "Always on My Mind" singer says, laughing. "We're not happy until they're not happy," he jokes.
Nelson's son, Lukas, came to his defense in the wake of the backlash, describing his father as someone who loves and accepts others and supports those who have the same values.
"My father has always led with his heart. In his life and his music, he's put his energy towards building a heart-based community with music as a cultural glue," Lukas shares in a Facebook video. "The issues that are important to him have less to do with himself and what's good for him and more to do with what's good for the community."