Thu Sep 12 15:59:01 UTC 2024: ## Music Battles for Votes in Tight Presidential Race
**Ann Arbor, MI** – As the 2020 US presidential election heats up, music is taking center stage, becoming a crucial element in the battle for votes. According to University of Michigan musicology professor Mark Clague, music has never played such a significant role in American politics as it does in this highly contested race.
With the race being statistically close and many voters already having made up their minds, music offers an emotional hook that can energize the party base and sway undecided voters.
Both campaigns are employing distinct musical strategies to appeal to their respective audiences. Vice President Kamala Harris leans towards youth-oriented hits by artists of color and women, signifying inclusivity and a message of empowerment. Her campaign’s use of Chappel Roan’s “Femininomenon” and Beyoncé’s “Freedom” reflects this strategy, aiming to resonate with female voters and those who support gender fluidity.
In contrast, President Donald Trump relies heavily on classic rock hits and patriotic anthems, emphasizing traditional values and masculinity. His playlists often feature songs like James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” and Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass,” playing to his base’s desire for a return to “the good old days.”
The campaigns’ use of music has also sparked controversy, with numerous artists objecting to Trump’s use of their songs at rallies. Notably, musicians like Adele, Foo Fighters, and the heirs of Isaac Hayes have voiced their disapproval. However, Trump and his supporters seem to embrace this resistance, viewing it as a confirmation of their outsider status and their defiance of the “elites.”
Beyond individual artists, the use of music during the Democratic and Republican conventions further highlights the differing strategies. The Democrats’ roll call featured a diverse playlist of popular hits, creating a celebratory atmosphere, while the Republicans’ reliance on Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration” underscored their focus on a celebratory narrative.
This “battle for vibes” has extended to online platforms, with both campaigns using social media and Spotify playlists to engage with voters. Harris’ campaign has benefited from endorsements by pop stars like Taylor Swift and Charli XCX, who command large followings among young voters, a crucial demographic in this election.
While the effectiveness of music in swaying voters remains to be seen, one thing is certain: music has become an integral part of the 2020 presidential election, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic political landscape. Whether it successfully mobilizes voters or not, music’s role in shaping the electoral conversation is undeniable.
First Piper 