U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole is a rock star.
Some Dome readers who are not fans of the Salisbury Republican objected to our characterization of her as a "rock star" in a post today.
For the record, the term is a reflection of her name recognition and ability to woo voters on the stump, not an endorsement.
Still, don't take our word for it:
USA Today headline: "'Rock star' Dole protects lead in key Senate race." (July 1, 2002)
Durham Herald-Sun: "Dole had become a rock star of the political world without ever holding an elected office. (Sept. 5, 2002)
George Stephanopolous, former adviser to Bill Clinton and ABC News host: "She's a political rock star." (Char-O, Nov. 10, 2002)
Harvey Gantt, on Erskine Bowles' race against Richard Burr: "I don't think we're running against somebody who has the status of a rock star. ... I do not know Mr. Burr very well, but I would not think he has the status of a Liddy Dole." (Char-O, Sept. 25, 2003)
Bowles, again on Burr: "I'm not running against a rock star." (GN-R, Sept. 12, 2004)
Greensboro News & Record: "By contrast, political analysts frequently use the term 'rock star' to describe Dole's name recognition and appeal." (Sept. 5, 2007)
Charlotte Observer: "Pundits like to say she has rock-star qualities on the stump." (Char-O, Nov. 4, 2007)
Burr: "If you really want to know what Elizabeth Dole is like, she's a rock star." (N&O, Feb. 22, 2008)
