Mellencamp and Springsteen are like modern day court jesters. They perform at the pleasure of the royalty and must be obsequious to their masters at all times.
Mellencamp was criticized harshly by liberals for criticizing Portland, and by extension New York and LA where the video was shot. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks.
Saw Bruce Springsteen last month in San Diego. At least he was smart enough to avoid political rants.