The notion of a "campaign song, " or a general soundtrack by which to run a campaign is nothing new to American politics. From little ditties like "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" (not the They Might Be Giants song) in support of the pneumonia-prone William Henry Harrison in his 1940 run, to the more recent capitalizing of Heartland Rock songs from the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp, songs promote an ideal and a general motif a party wants to convey during election season.
A song's selection process can be a bit tricky. Sometimes a candidate will like to pay homage to some of the great musical influences of all time, like Rudolph Giuliani's obvious send-up to punk rock with his selection of "Rudie Can't Fail" by The Clash. Or a candidate will pander to a certain crowd, like Hillary Clinton's pick of "You and I" by Celine Dion to clampdown the Gay Vegas vote. Or, the more obvious example of JFK's selection of "High Hopes" by Frank Sinatra, because, frankly, it's the only song that makes sense when you're getting blown by Marilyn Monroe.
In recent years music has taken on a new role in politics, actually defining generations and ideologies. For example, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick of Detroit was dubbed the first "hip-hop mayor" because of his connection with the youth and inner-city vote. That, and he was consistently hittin' people up on the two way and making it rain on bitches and other city officials.
I would argue that our current president, George W. Bush, could be considered the first "country president." Though Jimmy Carter was far more country than Bush, I think our president's mannerisms and appeal to rural white people makes him an ideal candidate for such a title.
Which brings us to our current race. Obama has said he listens to all sorts of music, with Stevie Wonder being a personal hero of his (making "Signed, Sealed, Delivered [I'm Yours]" one of his campaign songs, though I personally think he should go with some tougher fare) . McCain has been a little less vocal about his musical coices, but he has made a sort of unsettling connection with ABBA.
So, with the McCain/Palin ticket lacking in music, I would like to make a humble suggestion. ICP. John McCain, become the first Juggalo president. Being a party that allegedly champions the underclass - constantly looking out for the little guy - your message blends perfectly with the harlequinned hellraisers Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. With gems like "Tilt-A-Whirl" and "Hokus Pokus" as campaign songs your ticket will see a vitality the likes of John McCain 150 years ago! That, and I'm not entirely sure that Violent J isn't the baby daddy of Bindi, or whatever the shit Palin's daughter's name is, so having him close at hand for a last-second shotgun wedding may not be a bad idea. As an added bonus, your new army of Juggalo political disciples will be at least 90 per cent brain dead, and hopped up on Faygo! Just remind them to leave campaign literature at the scene of every smashed pumpkin and hate crime.
And God Bless America!
-E.
(Image via Sorgatron)
