Politics & Government

Singer Danny Gokey Says 'It Could Be Time for a Change' in the White House

Former "Idol" star, who performed at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, says he is more aware of politics than ever before.

TAMPA, FL -- When you think about presidential politics, the name "Danny Gokey" isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

And to be honest, politics has never really been on the mind of Gokey, either — at least not until the former "American Idol" star got married in January to model Leyicet Peralta.

"I’ve never been a student of politics, but my wife and I have differing views, so it has made me really look at what I have always believed," Gokey told Patch shortly after performing on the floor of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night. "You know, we’re raised a certain way and we tend to believe things that our parents tell us.

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"This is the first time that I’ve really taken a hard look at our system, and I kind of am taking on a more active political viewpoint," added the country singer from Milwaukee.

And what exactly is his political viewpoint? Well, the fact that he performed before thousands of Republican delegates and party insiders last week is an indication that he's leaning toward the GOP.

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"I just want a man who can lead our country and be good for our country," he said. "I thought that having President (Barack) Obama elected to office was a really great moment in our country’s history, but it could be time for a change."

When asked specifically whether Republican candidate Mitt Romney was his choice, Gokey said:

"Well, I’m weighing all of the issues, but he could be. What I like about our political system is that if he’s not the one, then hopefully the next time, the next guy is the one."

Gokey said he and Peralta, who is pregnant and has a Jan. 21 due date, spend a lot of time debating politics.

"My wife grew up more Democratic and I was raised Republican, and it’s funny how she has caused me to challenge my views," he said. "It has caused a lot of interesting conversations, and I’m sure our unborn baby has heard a lot of interesting views on politics."

Gokey performed just a few hours before as the party's vice presidential candidate. His manager said Gokey was invited to sing because he's from Wisconsin, a state that played a big role in this year's convention.

As soon as his finished singing his hit song, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me," Gokey went on the convention floor to meet and pose for photos with the Wisconsin delegation, including Gov. Scott Walker.

“It was awesome," he said. "I’m always nervous every time I go on stage, but it was a good kind of nervousness. The crowd was really into it. This my first time at a convention like this, so I’m really like a sponge absorbing it all."

Gokey said he is talking to several record companies about signing a new deal and is working on a book that will be autobiographical but also will focus on the Sophia's Heart Foundation, named in honor of his first wife, who died in 2008.

"A lot of people don’t know about Sophia's Heart. We’re taking in homeless families right now and we’re getting ready to open up a human trafficking wing for ladies who have been sold into sex trafficking. I’m opening up 12 rooms for them," Gokey said. "We do music and arts programs, we have scholarships, and do what we can to help families and children have better lives."


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