50 Years of Presidential Campaign Songs

Running for president of the United States requires more than just political acumen—it also often involves a strategic use of music to connect with voters. Campaign songs can evoke various emotions like peace, perseverance, and hope, offering a glimpse into the candidate’s ethos. Furthermore, securing the endorsement of a well-loved musician can sway potential voters. For example, having Bruce Springsteen’s support could significantly influence public opinion.

Over the last 50 years, presidential candidates have leveraged iconic music to amplify their campaigns. Here’s a look at some notable campaign tunes and the stories behind them.

Democratic candidate Robert F. Kennedy in 1968 toured with John Stewart, who wrote and performed “Omaha Rainbow.” Unfortunately, Kennedy’s campaign was cut short due to his assassination after winning the California primary.

In 1972, George McGovern, another Democrat, managed to reunite Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel for a benefit concert. They supported him with “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” a symbol of unity and hope, although McGovern did not win the presidency.

Walter Mondale’s 1984 campaign found inspiration in the “Rocky” theme “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti, highlighting an underdog spirit against Ronald Reagan.

Republican George H.W. Bush in 1988 chose Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” a song rooted in a vision of inclusiveness. The same year, Michael Dukakis, a Democrat, went with Neil Diamond’s “America” to honor his Greek immigrant father.

Independent candidate Ross Perot ran in 1992 with Willie Nelson’s “Crazy,” resonating with those disillusioned by the two-party system. However, Bill Clinton’s campaign that same year stuck with Fleetwood Mac’s optimistic “Don’t Stop,” which he even played at his inaugural ball.

Bob Dole’s 1996 campaign saw him cheekily using “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave, substituting “Dole Man” to make a memorable impression. Meanwhile, Al Gore’s controversial 2000 campaign featured a mix of tunes like “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

George W. Bush faced objections from Tom Petty for using “I Won’t Back Down” in 2000. Petty even performed the song at Gore’s house post-election. Bush’s list also included Van Halen’s “Right Now.”

John Kerry, Democratic candidate in 2004, used multiple songs, including Bruce Springsteen’s “No Surrender.” This was apt for Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran turned anti-war activist.

For the 2008 elections, Rudy Giuliani used The Clash’s “Rudie Can’t Fail,” while Mike Huckabee, also running in the same year, covered Boston’s “More Than a Feeling,” sometimes performing it himself. Dennis Kucinich favored John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance,” aligning with his peace-centric politics. Chris Dodd showed a preference for Motown with hits by The Temptations and The Four Tops.

John Edwards used John Mellencamp’s “Our Country” to underline his focus on middle-class struggles. Hillary Clinton’s choices included Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” signifying her groundbreaking position as a female candidate. Cynthia McKinney and John McCain also had their tunes, with McKinney picking another Lennon track and McCain enjoying ABBA’s “Take a Chance on Me.”

Barack Obama’s campaigns in 2008 and 2012 featured varied tracks from Stevie Wonder to Bruce Springsteen, reflecting his broad musical taste and cultural inclusiveness. Mitt Romney in 2012 chose Kid Rock’s “Born Free” after a personal vetting session.

John Kasich’s 2016 run included U2’s “Beautiful Day,” not restricted to American artists. Bernie Sanders used a suite of revolutionary-themed songs for his 2016 campaign, including “America” by Simon & Garfunkel.

Donald Trump used The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” in 2016, despite their disapproval. He also received pushback in 2020 for using songs by Village People.

In 2020, Bernie Sanders returned with songs like “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, and Joe Biden, backed by Bruce Springsteen’s “We Take Care of Our Own,” used his playlist to emphasize American values. Elizabeth Warren danced to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” while Jay Inslee’s climate-focused campaign featured ELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky.”

In the 2024 race, Donald Trump chose Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” although it drew criticism due to its inappropriate timing. Nikki Haley spotlighted Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. honored his father’s legacy with Rick Derringer’s “Real American.”

The power of music in political campaigns is undeniable. Songs can capture the spirit of a campaign and resonate emotionally with voters, ultimately shaping the narrative and legacy of political endeavors.

Source: UCR