[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10443]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING DAVID COOK

  Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I want to congratulate a Missourian 
who has accomplished something truly remarkable. We have known our 
share of champions in Missouri, like the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals and 
the Big 12 North winning University of Missouri football team. We have 
also had our share of great entertainers, like Josephine Baker, Scott 
Joplin, and Sheryl Crow. But it is very rare that we have someone who 
is both. Last night, David Cook, a native of Blue Springs, MO, and a 
graduate of Central Missouri State University, achieved that rare 
combination when he was crowned winner of ``American Idol.''
  David's victory was remarkable even by ``American Idol's'' standards. 
The show has become one of the greatest competitions the country has 
ever witnessed. It is ubiquitous. It is practically unavoidable. And 
with the eyes of the whole country watching, David Cook won ``American 
Idol'' by the incredible margin of 12 million votes out of a record 
97.5 million votes cast. His performances, along with those of David 
Archuleta, the other worthy finalist, drew in more viewers than watched 
the season finale last year.
  It is telling of the graciousness and humility of this superbly 
talented young man that David didn't even intend to try out for the 
show. The only reason he was at the audition was to support his 
brother. But while entering the contest may have been accidental, it is 
no accident that the country voted him the next ``American Idol.'' His 
easy confidence and visible passion (not to mention that voice), made 
him the clear choice. He was also one of the nicest contestants ever to 
appear on the show--even notoriously grumpy Simon Cowell said so.
  So I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Missouri's next 
superstar, David Cook. I wish you the best of luck in what I am sure 
will be a stellar career.

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