Presidential playlist adds soundtrack to campaign season
By Taryn Lentes, Staff Writer
February 18, 2008 | 6 a.m.
Presidential candidates have to answer some tough questions if they want to win votes. Do they have a plan for the economy? How will we get out of Iraq? And perhaps most important of all, what’s their theme song?
It may be February, but it already seems as though the countdown until the presidential election has been going on forever. For months, commercials, speeches and 24/7 news coverage have made it impossible for anyone to ignore the election buildup. The candidates on both sides of the aisle are working overtime at increasingly frantic paces to provide potential voters with as much information about their position on issues to win new supporters. For many, this process is fascinating to observe, but there is no doubt it can be somewhat overwhelming.
For those who pick their friends and possibly political candidates based purely on the contents of their iPod, or those who simply want something to listen to while they wait for the results, the following playlist might do the trick.
Hillary Clinton:
Song she uses: “You and I” by Celine Dion
Early in her campaign, Hillary Clinton released a video parody of the final episode of “The Sopranos” in which she asks viewers to go online and vote in a poll that would choose her official campaign song. It seems somewhat ironic that, in a video designed to prove how in touch with current popular culture, Clinton is yielded a Celine Dion song originally recorded for her Vegas show. But hey, that’s democracy in action. With lyrics like “You and I/Were meant to fly/Higher than the clouds,” this pop anthem is extremely cheesy. At least it’s uplifting and patriotic in the context of her campaign, even if Celine Dion happens to be Canadian.
Song she should use: “Woman” by Wolfmother
What better way could there be to celebrate being a woman and a serious contender for the presidency, while simultaneously counteracting the pop fluff of Celine Dion, than taking the stage to a rip-roaring rock song? “Woman” boasts some impressive guitar riffs, a driving beat and lyrics such as “She’s a woman/You know what I mean/You better listen/Listen to me/She’s gonna set you free," thus making it the perfect song to prove that Clinton can be proud of her feminist status and still rock just as hard as the boys.
Barack Obama:
Song he uses: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder
Barack Obama’s choice of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is a catchy classic that portrays his confidence. And hey, it does not hurt that Stevie Wonder is actually endorsing him. However, the debut of this campaign song was just before the New Hampshire primary, proving he’s not quite “delivered” yet.
Song he should use: “Changes” by David Bowie
It’s not too surprising given President Bush’s dismal approval ratings that in the current election, the concept of change would be a big hit. Although everyone is jumping on the change bandwagon, it seems to be a specialty of Obama's campaign ads and slogans, so this classic could be a good choice for the campaign. Of course, Bowie is English, but Celine Dion has a campaign song!
John McCain:
Song he uses: “Our Country” by John Mellencamp
Until very recently, John McCain was using several John Mellencamp songs, including “Our Country." After John Edwards left the race, McCain picked up the Mellencamp songs Edwards had used. However, Mellencamp requested that the songs be removed from McCain's rally rotation due to differing political beliefs between the musician and the politician. It seems as though Mellencamp may, in fact, be doing McCain a favor since, with lyrics such as “There’s room enough here for science to live/And there’s room enough here for religion to forgive," the song doesn’t exactly play to the conservative base McCain is after.
Song he should use: “I’m a Conservative” by Iggy Pop
Sure, the lyrics of the song reference drinking, sex and other such debauchery, but McCain already proved with his previous choice of songs that he only pays attention to the title anyway. With his status as the oldest candidate for President, McCain could benefit from a little rock 'n’ roll, and the title keeps popping up in his speeches anyway.
Mike Huckabee:
Song he uses: “Because of You” by Anne Johnston-Brown
In this emotional ballad, Mike Huckabee gives thanks to the ones who made him the person he is today. The song doesn’t come right out and say exactly who he is thanking, but logical guesses could include God, his supporters and of course, Stephen Colbert for giving him the notorious “Colbert Bump."
Song he should use: “Soul Man” by Lou Reed
Huckabee has based much of his campaign on his status as a Christian leader. He has stated that every aspect of his life is informed by his faith, making Huckabee the man (or woman!) most concerned with souls on the campaign trail. The title can be used as a subtle reference to Huckabee’s faith, and he could definitely groove along to this track with his bass guitar.
The presidential election of 2008 will have lasting effects on this country. People are becoming well informed, voting and, of course, enjoying a campaign song or two.
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Additional musical “political” fun:
Obama Girl vs. Hilary Fan Boy