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Soundtrack: Prez candidates rock out (sort of)
If caucus fever has grappled you recently, perhaps you've noticed the campaign songs. We definitely have. Because what's more rock & roll than old men (and a woman) in suits waving like robots to complete strangers? Still, we love the thought of aides pulling Barack aside to play him "Simply The Best" by Tina Turner. And then him nodding solemnly and saying "Yes. That is IT goddamnit." Campaign songs have had a rich history in America, from Ross Perot picking Patsy Cline's "Crazy" (wow), to Tom Petty threatening to sue George W. for using "I Won't Back Down".
This year, as always, candidates from both parties have picked songs that represent their beliefs while making a statement. It's just that this year, some of these are the wrong statements. First, the Dems: if people forgot about Barack's disappointing 2nd place finish in New Hampshire after another rousing speech, they were reminded by the awkwardness of hearing Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" in what's now a close race. Rookie move! (He should have used the above track from Chicago's Kidz In The Hall.) Hillary's effort to appear more personable in NH was nicely highlighted by her choice of Tom Petty's "American Girl", which is a vast improvement over her previous song "You And I" by Celine Dion which was originally commissioned and used by Air Canada. Ouch. John Edwards, in dead last, appropriately takes the stage to the worst song: "This Is Our Country" by John Mellencamp. Although according to idolator he's apparently dropping a new mixtape on our asses.
Our boys of the GOP are doing only slightly better: Huckabee's humor was personified nicely after New Hampshire by walking on-stage to the epic "Sprach Zarathurstra" from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Fortunately Huck spared everyone by not performing any songs with his band "Capitol Offense" (oof). John McCain might be the only candidate who actually likes his song: "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry. Respectable choice for a respectable win in NH. Mitt Romney walks out regularly to "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond; ironic considering Neil Diamond probably loathes Romney's politics which, apparently, is in line with what the rest of America thinks as well. Ron Paul, meanwhile, maintains his rep as the rogue of his party by routinely rocking out to "The Ron Paul Song" by Brooklyn indie rockers The Violets. (Not as cool as it sounds).
So there you have it. We'll keep an eye out for any developments throughout the caucuses, and especially during the national conventions. We predict lots of U2, John Mayer, and Smash Mouth, so stay tuned.
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