Bono the rock star - and DC lobbyist

Bono is not just the lead singer for U2 but also a dedicated lobbyist for the world's poor.

It was a long day's work for Bono, lead singer for the rock band U2 and dedicated lobbyist for the world's poor and AIDS-stricken.

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In Boston's FleetCenter on a Tuesday night, Bono and his band - Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton and the Edge - performed for a sold-out crowd, part of their 10-month, multicity tour of Europe and North America. Bono then rushed to the airport, arrived in Washington at 2 a.m. and five hours later set off on a busy schedule, his ubiquitous wraparound shades firmly in place.

The musician joined Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for a State Department lunch and talks about the imminent meeting of industrialized nations, aid to Africa and the prospects for the foreign operations spending bill.

Bono, left, leader of the Irish rock group U2, flashes the peace sign as he and President Bush return to the White House in this March 14, 2002, file photo. In a 2005 book simply titled, Bono, in conversation with Michka Assayas, the singer recalled Bush's reaction: "Keeping his face straight, he whispered under his breath, 'There goes a front page somewhere: Irish rock star with the Toxic Texan.'" (AP)

Next stop was the U.S. Congress, where Bono pressed several lawmakers, including Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran, to increase aid for the poor. Bono was back in Boston for two more sold-out shows Thursday and Saturday.

If there is a familiar image of Bono, it is this. The Irish-born singer crisscrossing the stage, microphone in hand, as he leads a band that has enjoyed critical and commercial success for almost three decades. The numbers are impressive even by the standards of rock stardom: some dozen albums, more than 120 million copies sold worldwide, 14 Grammy awards and sold-out concerts from Berlin to Philadelphia.

In Washington, Bono is more than a musician who, with his band, was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since 1999, he has been a persistent and often-successful lobbyist in the United States, persuading Republicans and Democrats, presidents and lawmakers, to provide millions to help end the scourge of AIDS, eliminate poverty in Africa and forgive Third World debt. Bono's knowledge of issues and his dedication have won over the Washington elite, some of whom found their 15-minute, meet-and-greet sessions turning into hourlong policy talks.

"He is a man of depth and a great heart, who cares deeply about the impoverished folks on the continent of Africa. And I admire his leadership on the issue," President George W. Bush said Tuesday at a news conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on African aid and other issues.

"I told him he's my favorite pest. He keeps coming back," said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill. "It's not unusual for members of Congress to be lobbied by stars and starlets. Usually it's a one-time stand. He's different. He clearly cares. He's clearly committed."

Said former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas: "I don't assume that a rock star is going to be lucid on the esoterics of economics." He gave Bono an "A-plus" for being well-informed and intensely devoted to the issues.

Bono has displayed staying power. He pounds the hallways of Congress, meeting with lawmakers when he can. He calls Washington officials during breaks in recording sessions. He traveled to Africa with Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill in 2002 to draw attention to the plight of the continent's people.

He's a rock star who can belt out U2 hits tinged with politics and religion, songs such as "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)," to packed arenas. He also can tell the arcane difference in the U.S. Congress between an authorization bill and an appropriations bill. The former determines how much money will be spent; the latter provides the money to spend.

Through his involvement, Bono has set a standard for social activism that other entertainers may follow.

"Brad Pitt is studying closely how Bono works ... as is George Clooney," said Jamie Drummond, executive director of DATA. DATA _ Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa - is a nonprofit group Bono founded in 2002 with Bobby Shriver, nephew of President John F. Kennedy nephew and brother-in-law of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Shriver helped the musician navigate Washington and has helped various activists increase awareness of the crises in Africa.

When Bono lobbies in the capital, he displays few of the trappings of fame. No limousines, no entourage. When he met with Rice for lunch, each had one assistant.

Occasionally, however, the rock star persona breaks through. In 2002, in a ceremony at the White House in which President Bush announced a $5 billion (euro4.1 billion), three-year foreign aid package, Bono flashed the peace sign at the press corps. In a 2005 book titled, "Bono, in conversation with Michka Assayas," the singer recalled Bush's reaction.

"The peace sign was pretty funny. He thought so too," Bono said. "Keeping his face straight, he whispered under his breath, `There goes a front page somewhere: Irish rock star with the Toxic Texan."'

When Bono meets with lawmakers, and word of his presence spreads through the Capitol, fans line up with copies of CDs and albums to be autographed. At a meeting with Durbin, the senator was amazed at "how many members of my staff had a newfound interest in the Global AIDS initiative."

Bono, born Paul David Hewson 45 years ago, began his crusade in 1997 when he was asked to help out on the Jubilee 2000 campaign for cancellation of the debt owed by Third World nations to richer countries. Greater involvement convinced Bono that he was "way out of my depth," and a tutorial with then-Harvard professor Jeffrey Sachs soon followed.

In 2000, Bono lobbied to get $115 million (euro93.6 million) for debt relief in the foreign operations bill. A year later, there was $435 million (euro354.1 million). More lobbying resulted in the AIDS initiative of $15 billion (euro12.2 billion) over five years and double the U.S. assistance for Africa.

"He's almost a statesman rather than a celebrity," said Shriver. "The young man's Nelson Mandela."