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‘Supporting Democrats All My Life’ — Willie Nelson Talks About Supporting Beto O’Rourke

Katie Jerkovich Entertainment Reporter
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Willie Nelson talked about holding a concert for Texas Democrat Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke and shared that he’s been “supporting Democrats” his whole life on “The View” Tuesday.

The comments came during a panel discussion over the backlash the 85-year-old singer has faced following reports about his upcoming concert rally for Republican Sen. Ted Cruz’ opponent next weekend. (RELATED: Fact Check: Will Willie Nelson’s Concert For Beto O’Rourke Be His First Performance For A Political Candidate?)

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Joy Behar shared, “As Whoopi just said, you are making headlines yourself with your politics. You’re supporting Beto O’Rourke in Texas against Ted Cruz, the Republican, and people are shocked at that — that you would support a Democrat. Why? Why? Do they have some misunderstanding of you?”

“I don’t know,” Nelson replied. “I guess so, because I have been supporting Democrats all my life, you know?”

“I think they have this image that you don’t. Why?” the co-host pressed once more. 

“I don’t know. I have no idea because, because, you know, I haven’t hidden it that much,” the singer explained. 

“Are you getting a lot of flak? And how are you dealing with it?” Behar inquired.

Nelson added, “Oh, I love flak. We’re not happy until they are not happy.”

“Does it bother you that you are judged based off who you like politically? Does that bother you that people would be upset about who you personally like politically?” Abby Hunstman asked. 

“Not really, because everybody has an opinion,” the country star replied. “And everybody has a right to an opinion. So, you know, I think I have one, too.”

“But Willie is going to perform. He’s not just supporting the guy but performing at an event for Beto, correct?” Behar asked. 

“We are doing a fundraiser there in Austin on — I forget. The 29th,” Nelson responded.

“Many of your fans took tremendous issue, like I said,” Behar responded. “I don’t want to repeat myself, but they took issue with this, you know? A lot of your fans didn’t like it.”

“I don’t care,” the “Always On My Mind” hitmaker replied. 

“He doesn’t care,” Behar replied. “He doesn’t care, so let’s just move on.”

“I don’t care,” Nelson agreed. “You know, they are entitled to their opinions and I’m entitled to mine.”