Michael Stipe publicly endorsed democrat Barack Obama during an R.E.M. concert in Florida last Saturday (March 8th).

Wearing an Obama t-shirt, Stipe said that he was voting for a candidate that provided hope rather than one that tells him what he already fears.

The band’s performance at the Langerado Festival was the group’s first live appearance of 2008.

Battling through cold weather, R.E.M showcased a number of new songs off their forthcoming album, ‘Accelerate’, which is released on March 31st.

Obama currently leads rival Hilary Clinton in the race to win the democratic nomination for the 2008 Presidential elections.

The Illinois senator added to his delegate count over the weekend thanks to a win in the Wyoming caucuses.

Clinton or Obama will face Republican John McCain when America goes to the polls later this year.

(by Jason Gregory)