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Obama and McCain pick their playlists

Aug 13, 2008, 09:30 AM | by Simon Vozick-Levinson

Categories: Current Affairs, Music

Presidents_l The subject of music came up when EW's Benjamin Svetkey grilled both White House hopefuls about their tastes in pop culture for our latest issue — but neither Barack Obama nor John McCain got into the nitty-gritty details of their iPod policy positions. If I'm going to base my vote this November on what kind of music the candidates listen to (which I obviously will), I need some hard data that I can compare head-to-head, okay? Luckily, I need only consult the compact 10-song playlists the two senators contributed to Blender.com recently. No context, no empty promises -- just the tunes.

And the revelations contained therein are many. Obama digs Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire" (hot!)... but also that awful will.i.am song about himself (tacky!). McCain gets some grudging points from me for picking two ABBA songs — obviously I'm not the only one whose life was transformed by seeing Mamma Mia! — then loses them right away by neglecting to mention Usher's "Love in this Club," which we all know is his favorite public-sex jam ever. Blender also got some random yet totally entertaining commentary on the two playlists from Randy Newman and Girl Talk, of all people. (Newman: "McCain has a really likeable list. Then again, Hitler liked some good music, you know?") Anyway, check it out, and you tell me: Would you read an MP3 blog hosted by either Presidential candidate?

Paul Levinson Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:58 AM EST

I can't stand McCain. But he did manage, against all odds, to pick the two best ABBA songs, and in the right order. I guess it proves the adage that a broken clock is right two times a day.

Kath Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 07:42 PM EST

John McCain, get your grubby hands off my ABBA, k?

Neither of the lists are really my taste, though.

Broadway Baby Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

I'd have to write in Randy Newman if I was going off this list alone.

Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

obama picks sinnerman...someone's a thomas crown affair fan

Dave Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 11:02 AM EST

I was 7 for 10 in agreeing with Obama's choices, and 5 for 10 in agreeing with McCain's, so (thankfully for me) my playlist preference lines up with my political preference. Although I must say, props to McCain for picking not just one but TWO ABBA songs. Anyone else think the image of him trying to sing and dance along to "Dancing Queen" is hilarious?

Kathleen Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM EST

Oh my. I think I would read McCain's over Obama's. No, I know I would. Other than Nina Simone, Mr O's list did not click with me at all.

JMC Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

Wow... we didn't even get to the comments before someone brought up Hitler. Go Godwin. Seriously, I'd appreciate it my entertainment and politics don't mix in the future.

Martha Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

Nah, I wouldn't read either candidate's music blog - both lists look kinda manufactured to me. And Obama's "Yes We Can" pick is fairly nauseating, even if he does also have Kanye and Nina Simone. But of all the great U2 songs out there, he picks "City of Blinding Lights"?!? Just wrong. This Boston fan likes that McCain put "Sweet Caroline" on his list...too bad he didn't have the guts to add "Love in This Club." ;-)

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