Michael Moore

Michael Francis Moore (born April 23, 1954) is an American film director, author and social commentator. He is widely known for his outspoken and critical views of corporations and the Bush administration.

Writings and political views

Moore has authored three best-selling books:

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• Downsize This! (1996), about politics and corporate crime in the United States,
• Stupid White Men (2001), a critique of American domestic and foreign policy, and
• Dude, Where's My Country? (2003), an examination of the Bush family's relationships with Saudi royalty, the Bin Laden family, and the energy industry, and a call-to-action for liberals in the 2004 election.

After Moore's departure from Mother Jones, he became an employee of Ralph Nader. He left Nader's employment on bad terms, but Moore vociferously supported Nader's campaign for the United States presidency in 2000.

Related Topics:
Ralph Nader - 2000

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In exchange for jumping in the show's "traveling mosh pit," Republican Alan Keyes won the endorsement of Moore's television series The Awful Truth in 2000, although Moore does not endorse Keyes' views.

Related Topics:
Mosh pit - Alan Keyes - The Awful Truth

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Moore became a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association after the Columbine Massacre. He has said in an interview that his intention was to run for president of the organization and dismantle it after winning.

Related Topics:
National Rifle Association - Columbine Massacre

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In the 2004 election, Moore urged Nader not to run, so as not to split the vote for ousting Bush. (Moore joined Bill Maher on the latter's television show in kneeling before Nader to plead with him to stay out of the race.) On January 14, Moore endorsed General Wesley Clark for the Democratic nomination. Moore drew attention when charging publicly that Bush was AWOL during his service in the National Guard (see George W. Bush military service controversy). Also, during an October 27 stop in Portland, OR, Moore called the private phone number of radio host Lars Larson, given to him by a member of the audience.

Related Topics:
The 2004 election - Bill Maher - January 14 - Wesley Clark - Democratic - AWOL - National Guard - George W. Bush military service controversy

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Moore was a high-profile guest at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, prominently seated in a box with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife. Moore also attended the 2004 Republican National Convention, where he was criticized in a speech by Senator John McCain as "a disingenuous film-maker". Moore wrote a daily column chronicling his impressions of the convention in USA Today.

Related Topics:
2004 Republican National Convention - John McCain - USA Today

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During September and October 2004, Moore spoke at universities and colleges in swing states during his "Slacker Uprising Tour". The tour gave away ramen and underwear to people who promised to vote. This provoked public denunciations from the Michigan Republican Party and attempts to convince the government that Moore should be arrested for buying votes, but district attorneys refused to get involved. The "Underwear" tour was a popular success. Large numbers of young adults registered to vote, and by a strong percentage voted for John Kerry (Kerry 54%, Bush 44%). Nonetheless, the generally increased turnout in the election ensured that the percentage of youth voting was little different than in 2000, albeit at a higher numerical level. John Kerry eventually won the state of Michigan by 3%.

Related Topics:
Swing state - Ramen - Michigan - Republican - 2000

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Quite possibly the most controversial stop during the tour was Utah Valley State College in Orem, Utah. A fight for his right to speak ensued in massive public debates and a media blitz. Death threats, bribes and lawsuits ensued. The event was chronicled in the documentary film This Divided State.

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With the 2004 election over, Moore continues to collect information on the War in Iraq and the Bush administration.

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