Rock star Springsteen backs Obama for president

By Ellen Wulfhorst

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Rock superstar Bruce Springsteen on Wednesday endorsed Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president, saying he stands "head and shoulders above the rest."

In a message posted on his Web site, the musician and songwriter known as the Boss said the Illinois senator has "the depth, the reflectiveness and the resilience" to be the next U.S. president.

"Like most of you, I've been following the campaign and I have now seen and heard enough to know where I stand. Sen. Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest," he wrote.

Many of Springsteen's rousing rock anthems and haunting ballads celebrate working class Americans. His endorsement in the November presidential election comes as Obama fends off charges he is out of touch with working class voters.

The Obama campaign welcomed the endorsement. The America of Springsteen's songs -- with its hardworking people and big dreams -- is "a story I know and a vision I share for our future, and that's why I'm so honored to have his support in this journey," Obama said in a statement.

(Editing by Cynthia Osterman)