From rock star to Speaker
U2 rock star Bono has become somewhat of a global ambassador — and media darling — by cozying up to Republicans and Democrats alike when he lobbies on behalf of his key issues: Third World debt relief and the reduction of AIDS in Africa. In fact, the rock star even swung by the White House on Friday afternoon for some good old-fashioned politicking.
Recommended Stories
But, at Friday night’s YouthAIDS benefit in Virginia, Bono let gala attendees know which politician he loves
| AP |
above all others: Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who was being honored by both Bono and actress Ashley Judd for the speaker’s efforts on behalf of AIDS relief.
“I don’t wear ties for presidents or prime ministers,” the necktie-adorned singer said. “I only wear a tie for Madam Speaker.”
But, that wasn’t Bono’s biggest — or most personal —compliment of the night for Pelosi. After telling the crowd about a particular Pelosi motto that resonated with him — “Inside maneuvering with outside mobilization” — Bono said that he has considered getting the phrase tattooed on his derriere (which would clearly give new meaning to the phrase “bumper sticker politics”).
More Bono-to-Pelosi fawning:
» “You’ve given safe sex, sex appeal! How’d you do that?”
» “ ‘Madame Speaker’… it just sounds so good, even one year later.”
» “She has her eyes on the prize. Her elbows are sharp if necessary.
”
After the ceremony, Yeas & Nays asked Pelosi what she thought of all the praise and whether she thought Bono should run for political office. “Of Ireland, maybe,” said the always-cognizant-of-U.S.-constitutional-law speaker.
Other notes from the night:
» The women in the audience couldn’t stop talking about two things. 1.) How excited they were for the Kiehl’s products in the swag bag and 2.) Why the diminutive Bono was sporting what basically amounted to men’s heels on his feet.
» Hungry? In the silent auction, Mark Ein won a dinner for six at New York’s Fiamma restaurant, where our own celebrity chef, Fabio Trabocchi, recently relocated.
» In need of some lifestyle changes? AOL founder Jim Kimsey won a “Platinum Lifestyle Management Package.”
