John Rich of Big & Rich tells us he's working hard to get John McCain into the White House, but one thing he won't do is pull a Dixie Chick. "Speak your mind about whatever you want to speak your mind about — I'm out campaigning with John McCain — but never in a million years would I bash Barack Obama," claims the conservative Rich, referring to the threesome's infamous Bush bashing. "You don't bash people who have risen to that level of prominence in the United States. It's disrespectful."

Even though things have changed politically since the incident, Rich says the results would still be the same today. "Our fan base is mainly blue collar, middle America, the-backbone-of-this-country-type people. You still would never see a true country artist bashing the president, and if they did, they wouldn't get away with it."

As for the Dixie Chicks's fallout with country music, Rich admits it's a shame. "They don't agree with the president, that's fine, most people don't — just look at the polls. But the way they went about it was disrespectful, and the country audience took offense to it. Then their apology was basically coming back with a song and flipping the bird to the country audience again — that's not the way to win fans," he points out. "I wish they hadn't done it because I love the Dixie Chicks's music, and they're such a powerful act and turned so many people on to country music. But they made their decisions, and the chips fall where they fall."

MEANWHILE: Rich is looking forward to hosting the second season of CMT's "Gone Country," which premieres Aug. 15. He says fans are in for a treat with the likes of Sebastian Bach, Chris Kirkpatrick and Lorenzo Lamas participating. "It has some of the most talented people that I've ever been around. Jermaine Jackson has mind-boggling talent. Sebastian Bach from Skid Row — his voice is just ridiculous. Then there's Sean Young, whose name is French for completely insane."

THE VIDEOLAND VIEW: Jessica Stroup, soon to gain attention on the CW's hotly anticipated "90210," tells us the production has been "unlike anything" she's experienced before. "They're keeping it so secret," says the actress, whose credits range from a recurring role on "Reaper" to the big screen "The Hills Have Eyes II."

Stroup, who plays teenage YouTube show star Erin Silver — just Silver to her friends — on the new show, says that at first mention of a contemporary "90210" spinoff, "I kind of shrugged it off, like, 'Really? That's amazing, if it's done with the right people.' I auditioned for the Annie role" — that went to Shenae Grimes of "Degrassi: The Next Generation." "I was told they were going a different way, but I got the option to try out for Silver, which went through multiple changes."

That was especially as the show changed hands, from creator and former "Veronica Mars" producer Rob Thomas, who stepped down due to other commitments — "I have the utmost respect for him" — to Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah of "What About Brian" and "Freaks & Geeks" fame. The duo subsequently rethought the "90210" pilot. "Gabe and Jeff are absolute geniuses," Jessica enthuses. "They listen to what you have to say as far as input into the character. When they got hold of the reins, they changed mine a lot. I'm thrilled with her." Adds Stroup of the Sept. 2-debuting "90210," "They wanted to be sure they were being loyal to the old fans while creating a show the new generation was going to tap into."

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If anyone thinks Americans don't stand up and express their concerns, host of "Trading Spaces" Paige Davis, who was fired from the show and later brought back, can attest that there are some passionate people out there. At least when it comes to their viewing preferences. "People love their TV. I wish people would write as many letters and get so upset about different things in government instead of when their host is gone from their favorite show," says Davis about the tremendous amount of support she got after being ousted from the show. "To have that kind of support helped me get through that. People would say, 'Oh, I don't watch the show anymore because you're gone.' I don't even know if that is true, but it makes you feel good."

CATCHING UP: Robby Benson is busy with post-production on his latest directorial project, the movie "Billy: The Early Years," which tells the story of the youthful career of evangelist Billy Graham, and is expected to hit some 300-plus theaters Oct. 10, in celebration of Rev. Graham's 90th birthday. Arnie Hammer — grandson of late oil tycoon Armand Hammer — plays Graham. Benson and wife Karla recently performed his "Open Heart" play with music in Iowa, having already done an off-Broadway stint with the show inspired by the actor/director/author/musician and NYU professor's treacherous history of heart problems and surgeries.

With reports by Stephanie DuBois and Emily Feimster.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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