Saturday, 28 September 2024
Saturday, 28 September 2024
Kamala Harris’s campaign adopting Charlie xcs’s colour scheme from the British singer’s album and Charlie certifying Kamala has ignited the Democrat from California’s push to be POTUS. As The Guardian commented, “When Charli wrote that “kamala IS brat,” she immediately transformed a run-of-the-mill politician in a steamed pant suit into a messy internet It-girlie.”
Boomers won’t get it, but “brat” is THE new compliment.
Music and the US presidency have always fed off each other. Not so long ago, a certain Prateek Kuhad became an overnight sensation when it was revealed that his songs were on a certain Barack Obama’s playlist.
Here’s a look at some of the jams between US Presidents and presidential hopefuls and musicians – not all of which have been in perfect harmony.
Kamala Harris-Beyoncé bonhomie and Taylor Swift buzz
During her 2020 vice-presidential campaign, Kamala Harris used Beyoncé's music to energise her supporters. Songs like "Run the World (Girls)" and "Formation" resonated with her message of empowerment and equality. And Harris has maintained her association with Beyoncé. The superstar's songs like "Freedom" and "Spirit" have featured prominently in Harris's campaign events. The Black vote in the bag? Many think so.
It is also being widely speculated that an endorsement from Taylor Swift could shake the earth, like it did when Swifties stomping their feet resulted in an actual quake measuring 2.3 on the Richter scale during the Eras tour concert in Seattle.
Newsweek has reported that “a growing portion of Taylor Swift fans are throwing their support behind Kamala Harris… and social media accounts dedicated to their efforts are steadily gaining followers”.
Neil Young vs. Donald Trump
Like we said, not all the notes in the song about the US presidential election and are in harmony. Rock legend Neil Young filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump for using the songs "Rockin' in the Free World" and "Devil's Sidewalk" at campaign rallies without permission. Crazy old Neil, as Young is called, later dropped the lawsuit. His complaint had reportedly said that he “cannot allow his music to be used as a ‘theme song’ for a divisive, un-American campaign of ignorance and hate”.
Joe Biden and Lady Gaga
In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden's campaign received a boost from Lady Gaga, a prominent advocate for social and political causes. Gaga performed at Biden's final campaign rally in Pittsburgh, energising the crowd with her passionate support. Her song "Shallow" from the movie "A Star is Born" became a symbol of hope and resilience. Gaga's endorsement helped Biden connect with younger voters and the LGBTQ+ community.
Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama
Bruce ‘The Boss’ Springsteen's support for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 brought a sense of working-class authenticity to Obama's campaigns. Springsteen's performances at campaign events energised crowds and reinforced Obama's message of hope and change.
Hillary Clinton and Katy Perry
In the 2016 presidential race, Hillary Clinton received significant support from pop superstar Katy Perry. Perry performed at various campaign events and even donned a "Nasty Woman" t-shirt, referencing a comment made by Donald Trump during a debate. Her hit song "Roar" became an anthem for Hillary’s campaign.
Bill Clinton and Fleetwood Mac
Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign is often remembered for its iconic use of Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop." The song, with its optimistic message of looking forward to better days, became synonymous with Clinton's campaign. Fleetwood Mac's live performance of the song at Clinton's inaugural ball cemented its place in political history.
Ronald Reagan vs Bruce Springsteen
Before Bruce Springsteen's association with Barack Obama, his music was controversially linked to Ronald Reagan's 1984 re-election campaign. Reagan referenced Springsteen's anthem "Born in the U.S.A" in his speeches, attempting to align himself with the song's patriotic overtones. Springsteen, known for his working-class anthems, objected to the appropriation of his music, highlighting the song's critical view of American life.
George W. Bush vs. John Mellencamp
George W. Bush's campaigns also faced opposition from musicians like John Mellencamp. Mellencamp, known for his heartland rock and populist themes, objected to the use of his songs "Pink Houses" and "Our Country" at Bush's events.
The Allman Brothers and Jimmy Carter
The Allman Brothers Band, from Florida, were pioneers in many ways. In their initial days they had to sign contracts with concert organisers that the band would be responsible if riots broke out at the gigs. The reason? The Brothers had a black drummer.
The band played a pivotal role in Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign. Their fundraising concert in November 1975 transformed Carter’s then cash-strapped campaign, Carter was later quoted as saying that “If it hadn’t been for Gregg Allman, I never would have been President.”
