The Daily What the 2020 Campaign Sounds Like
Aug 22, 2019
Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter for The New York Times, dives into the impact of music on the 2020 campaign. He reveals how playlists at rallies can reveal candidates' values and target demographics. Herndon discusses the strategic use of cultural elements to shape public perception, highlighting how artists influence political identities. The analysis contrasts musical choices by different candidates, illustrating how soundtracks can cultivate community and authenticity, thus playing a crucial role in voter engagement.
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Jingles in Early Campaigns
- Eisenhower's campaign used the jingle "We Like Ike" to evoke positive emotions and memorability.
- Kennedy's "Kennedy Can" jingle promoted a sense of youthful change and spun potential negatives into positives.
Merging Politics and Culture
- Modern campaigns blend politics and culture, turning campaigns into cultural phenomena.
- Examples include Bill Clinton playing saxophone on Arsenio Hall and Obama's association with celebrities like Stevie Wonder.
Authenticity vs. Pandering
- Obama's embrace of cultural figures felt authentic, while Clinton's attempts at modern dance moves were seen as pandering.
- Black voters in Baltimore cited Clinton's dance moves as inauthentic outreach.