The U2 Factor

Carrie Brownstein takes note of U2 rise to dominance in the campaign music scene:

When Barack Obama took the stage in DeMoines to deliver his impassioned Iowa caucus victory speech, U2's song "City of Blinding Lights" preceded him. On the same night, John Edwards' address to his supporters was also paired with a U2 song, "In The Name of Love?" Since when has U2 become the band to sum up American sentiment? Or is it just that they are one of the biggest band in the world and summing up the zeitgeist is part of their job? I guess with Led Zeppelin's "Lemon Song" not exactly getting the right message across and Rush a little tricky to dance to, U2 is the only monolithic band to embody that perfect blend of informed yet cool.

I'll say this, when I went to check out a Barack Obama rally in Washington Square Park by far the worst element was this painfully lame indie rock act they got to keep the crowd warm as people filtered in. In short, you could do worse than U2 (Celine Dione, for example). Still, in light of this country's rich heritage of African-American music, it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this.

Comments

"Changes" by 2Pac would be a natural fit, right?

Posted by right | January 7, 2008 10:35 AM

Still, in light of this country's rich heritage of African-American music, it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this.

Please.

Maybe he likes U2.

Or maybe he's trying to appeal to as many people as possible.

Or maybe he's trying not to project himself as the "identity politics" candidate that Hillary is trying to paint him as.

He's doing just fine - leave him alone and let him do his thing.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 10:39 AM

I've said this to many people: J Dilla's "Thunder" is the best entrance music for any occasion. Be it for a professional wrestler, baseball closer, Presidential candidate, it doesn't matter.

Posted by Just Another Greg | January 7, 2008 10:43 AM

U2 is perfect for campaign themes. Soaring, sometimes euphoric, often optimistic, and quasi-Christian.

And I assume you are kidding about it being lame that Obama isn't playing black music. Right?

Posted by tinisoli | January 7, 2008 10:44 AM

"Maybe he likes U2."

Jesus Christ. I know you like your candidate, but you don't have to be stupid about things.

Everyone is using U2.

Bunches of candidates used U2 in 2004 as well.

-----

To answer Matthew's question:

U2 is inspirational and anthemic.

Bono is a very high profile philanthropist who has a high Q score among liberals.

And perhaps most importantly, Bono is a high profile fucking Christian.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 10:47 AM

U2 has been used like crazy at least since I started paying attention in 2003.

Posted by Anonymous | January 7, 2008 10:51 AM

it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this.

That's just utter crap. Think about what you're saying

Posted by hlah | January 7, 2008 10:52 AM

If Edwards turns into any more of a torch and pitchfork populist he should start using Rage's version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad"

Posted by Jack | January 7, 2008 10:54 AM

"Still, in light of this country's rich heritage of African-American music, it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this."

Damn! Talk about racial profiling! So Black votes don't listen to any other music except "Black" music. MF, Black folks INVENTED rock and roll! And you may have heard of dude called Jimmie Hendrix. If you listen to today's R&B and especially rap, it has a lot of fusion with Rock. In fact, the top rap songs of the last year were fused with Rock. So get the fuck out of here with your racial stereotyping of Black folks musical tastes!

Posted by Dawn | January 7, 2008 10:55 AM

it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this

Shorter Matthew: Obama ought to be using N.W.A. for his campaign theme music.

Posted by Al | January 7, 2008 10:55 AM

Bono and U2 are now reviled in Ireland for being hypocrites and frauds, they were exposed last year and are considered a bad joke, no one takes their sham charity movement seriously there any more. The US media just chose not to report on it because U2 is a corporate profiteer.

Posted by Jenny | January 7, 2008 10:56 AM

Petey,

I get that Iowa didn't go well, and that Edwards is still 10 points behind Clinton in New Hampshire (which does not speak well of New Hampshirites), but there's no need to be like that.

It's time to get on board and "Don't ... Stop ... Thinking about Tomorrrow!" (That one worked well back in the day, too)...

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 10:56 AM

Bono and U2 are now reviled in Ireland for being hypocrites and frauds, they were exposed last year and are considered a bad joke, no one takes their sham charity movement seriously there any more. The US media just chose not to report on it because U2 is a corporate profiteer.

Posted by Jenny | January 7, 2008 10:56 AM

Jenny,
Let's see some evidence.
Otherwise, STFU.

Posted by tinisoli | January 7, 2008 11:00 AM

Maybe he likes U2.

I hope not. How depressing, to have a black (or mixed race) candidate using some of the lamest White music out there. What's next, Phil Collins?

Posted by Jim W | January 7, 2008 11:00 AM

1) Yep. Play Lou Rawl's "You're Gonna Miss My Love" as an intro to an Obama speech and he's got the women vote. Especially if he does a little cha cha step while walking across the stage.

2) I suspect , however, that whitebread Matthew dreams of Barack leading the rabble in a rally at the Democratic Convention to the tune of Parliament:

Barack: "Ow, we want the funk"
Audience: "GIVE UP THE FUNK!"
Barack: "Ow, we want the funk"
Audience: "GIVE UP THE FUNK!"

Posted by Don Williams | January 7, 2008 11:01 AM

The problem with U2, and Celine, is of course that they aren't American. Never mind the African prefix, can we as a nation really do no better than a bunch of preening Irish posers? I'm not a big Springsteen fan, but at least he's American. Or Bill Belichick's buddy Bon Jovi.

Also if American liberals knew more about Bono his Q score would be a lot lower. The guy is trying to destroy Dublin with his ridiculous tower - http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1290655,00.html

Posted by vanya | January 7, 2008 11:01 AM

Someone at TNR said this already, but if I go to an Obama event and don't hear "You dropped a bomb on me" i'll be sorely disappointed

Posted by Jack | January 7, 2008 11:03 AM

It's possible that Barack just likes U2, but given his youth image thing, I'm surprised they haven't at least incorporated hip-hop a little.

I can think of 2 Common songs that Barack is *mentioned* in. That's not a match made in heaven? Surely Barack isn't all that white.

Posted by Austin | January 7, 2008 11:06 AM

Well, I suppose he can't go on stage with "Burn Hollywood Burn" by Public Enemy, but don't you think he'd at least consider "Bring the Noize"?

Posted by Jordan Lawrence | January 7, 2008 11:06 AM

Have any of the presidential candidates of the last few decades used songs by black artists as their campaign theme songs or for the entrances to major speeches? Examples, anyone?

Posted by sara | January 7, 2008 11:07 AM

U2 is the perfect campaign trail music. Their music is largely mediocre (at least to my ear; a lot of people whose taste I respect feel otherwise), but it sounds good the first couple times you hear it. It's "uplifting" and emotional in a vague kind of way, and U2 is relatively "cool" (curving for the inherent uncoolness of politicians) while also being thoroughly wholesome.

Posted by Jason C. | January 7, 2008 11:08 AM

Here's a link of Obama opening in Madison, WI to KanYe (and of all tunes, Get 'em high):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCcUFMLZCNw

Now, Iowa wouldn't be so friendly to tunes almost exclusively about dope (and, I guess, also the hos on black planet). But the fit makes sense. Both rose up from South Side, busted out in 2004, accused of not being "black enough", and are taking over the world these days.

Now we just need to get Obama in some Stronger shades.

Posted by Mike | January 7, 2008 11:11 AM

tinisoli,

Jenny's not saying anything that anyone who has cursory familiarity with Ireland doesn't already know. Pick up any Irish paper, or talk to someone from Dublin. People have hated U2 in Ireland since at least the late 80s anyway, and that's kind of the way things go in Ireland. You get too big for your britches and people want to knock you down.

Posted by vanya | January 7, 2008 11:12 AM

U2's music has also sometimes been the most American or America-themed music out there. Their albums in the late '80s were very much about America——politics, culture, religion, music, economics and more. Hell, "Rattle and Hum" was pretty much a celebration of America, especially black American music. I'm pretty sure Republicans have used them, too. I seem to recall a GOP character using "Beautiful Day" a few years back...

Posted by tinisoli | January 7, 2008 11:12 AM

Us old timers will remember, Bill Clinton used U2.
BTW, I heard u2 is working on a double album, heavily influenced by-Jimi Hendricks.

Posted by JM | January 7, 2008 11:14 AM

it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this. That's just utter crap. Think about what you're saying

Reminds me of that that bit in The Commitments... [paraphrased] "the Irish are the blacks of Europe, Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland... say it once, say it loud, 'I'm black and I'm proud!'"

Posted by latts | January 7, 2008 11:17 AM

Hey, Matthew, maybe Obama can convince Hillary to drop out of the race and become his running mate by inviting her over to talk -- and then serve up some wine , light some candles and play Al Green's "Lets Stay Together" in the background.

Point out to Hillary that there's no better way to twist a knife in Wild Bill's guts --as payback for Monica -- than a Obama-Clinton Affair ..er ticket.

4 years of Hillary standing up on a stage gazing at Obama with adoring eyes as his VP. Stroking his arm with a dreamy-eyed , slackjawed expression. Calling up Wild Bill and telling Bill that she needs to work late in conference with "Barack" in the White House SCIF and then ordering the Secret Service to not let Wild Bill onto the White House grounds.

Casually let drop that the sweater Obama is wearing at the latest speech was her gift ..er, idea.

Aw ,revenge. There's nothing better for a woman. Not even control of a nuclear-armed hyperpower.

Posted by Don Williams | January 7, 2008 11:18 AM

Vanya,
Jenny was suggesting that Ireland hates U2. That's just stupid. They still play sold-out shows there and just as some people wish they'd go away there are others who are proud of them. They are not some kind of national embarrassment. I've been to Ireland and talked to Irish people, thanks.

Posted by tinisoli | January 7, 2008 11:19 AM

Matt,

Senator Obama has often opened his campaign rallys to soul classics such as Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up" and "Give the People What They Want" by the O'Jays. I think what U2 offers is songs with more of an epic and momentous feel to them. If Bobby Bland played guitar like The Edge, I'm sure Obama would play Bobby Bland at his rallys.

Posted by badger | January 7, 2008 11:22 AM

And Wild Bill being a pudgy white male from the SOUTH who can't get it up because of the heart medicine --well, that'll just be icing on the fucking cake.

Dante couldn't have worked it out any better.

Posted by Don Williams | January 7, 2008 11:23 AM

I have seen a couple of Obama rallies and have been impressed with the eclecticism of the music. In addition to U2, I heard Dwight Yoakam and The Spinners. These artists done show a tendency to pander to white audiences, just to people with good taste :)

MY is guilty of cherry-picking evidence which reinforces his cynical prejudices. TSK TSK

Posted by nattyiniowa | January 7, 2008 11:24 AM

What petey said about U2.

It's not likely to bother anyone that they're not American. They're a worldwide force at this point. Hell, on All That You Can't Leave Behind, Bono sang that he'd "just got a place in New York," which he sang rather knowledgeably about.

If you want American, who are you going to get, anyway? Mellencamp is dated, and Springsteen is starting to feel that way too. If you want an artist or group that's well-known, not too dated, with a positive, progressive message, your choices are limited. And if you restrict your choices to American artists or bands, it's even more limited.

Posted by low-tech cyclist | January 7, 2008 11:24 AM

Just Another Greg,

I think Obama's J-Dilla song of choice at the moment might be "Only Two Can Win".

Posted by badger | January 7, 2008 11:26 AM

Reuters: Obama rockets past Clinton in New Hampshire

It's a 'Beautiful Day.' Tomorrow will be too.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 11:30 AM

Wasn't "Beautiful Day" Kerry's theme?

Posted by Klug | January 7, 2008 11:37 AM

U2, 'Under a Blood Red Sky', live at Red Rocks, CO, released 1983.
U2, 'Pride (In the Name of Love)' about MLK, released 1984.
U2, 'Wide Awake in America', released 1985.
U2, 'Angel in Harlem', released 1988.
U2, 'When Love Comes to Town' w/BB King, released 1989.
U2, performs halftime show at Super Bowl after 9/11. List of dead rises behind them as they play 'Where the Streets Have No Name', 2001
U2, release 'The Saints are Coming' after Katrina, 2006
U2, performs when the Superdome reopens in New Orleans, 2006

U2 aren't American but they play American music.

Posted by joejoejoe | January 7, 2008 11:38 AM

Still, in light of this country's rich heritage of African-American music, it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this.
*******************

Great, just when African American voters seem to be flocking to Obama suddenly he's not black enough for Matt.

Posted by aleks | January 7, 2008 11:38 AM

Per the Boston Globe here is the set list.

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/celebration_and.html

Dave Beard, Boston.com

NASHUA, N.H. -- Before Barack Obama's rally at Nashua North High School, hundreds of people crammed into its gymnasium stayed upbeat by listening to the O'Jays, to Earth, Wind & Fire, to Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers.

That's Kenny Thompson's job. On this day, the Obama advance man has a 19-song warmup set on his Mac Book. "Mostly, they're songs I like,'' said Thompson, 27, a onetime middle-school saxophonist whose tastes owe a debt to his dad, a lover of 60s and 70s soul. "I've got hundreds of songs.''

At the rally when Obama was more than a half-hour late, Thompson, an Austin, Texas, native, had the responsibility to keep the crowd happy and anticipating. To help do that, he mixed in oldies with some newer choices by Natasha Bedingfield and India.aire, keeping the message close to Obama's themes of hope and possibility.

Here are the songs on the Obama playlist on Saturday:

1. Marvin Gaye, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough''
2. John Parr, "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)''
3. Tina Turner, "The Best''
4. The Doobie Brothers, "Takin' It To The Streets''
5. Earth, Wind & Fire, "Shining Star''
6. O'Jays, "Give The People What They Want''
7. Sam and Dave, "Hold On I'm Coming''
8. Kool & the Gang, "Celebration''
9. Natasha Bedingfield, "Unwritten''
10. The Isley Brothers, "Shout''
11. The Temptations, "Get Ready''
12. India.aire, "There's Hope''
13. McFadden and Whitehead, "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now''
14. Staples Singers, "I'll Take You There''
15. Orleans, "Still The One''
16. Sly and the Family Stone, "Everyday People''
17. The Doobie Bros., "Long Train Running''
18. Stevie Wonder, "Sir Duke''
19. John Fogarty, "Centerfield''

Also noted: Obama took the stage to U2's "City of Blinding Lights,'' and he departed to Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered.''

Posted by Mocha Dem | January 7, 2008 11:39 AM

U2's just a "safe" form of Rock for most people, especially if they don't pay attention to the lyrics though even those are highly watered down these days. I'm fairly certain nothing from US before 1990 gets played though.

Posted by Fred F. | January 7, 2008 11:40 AM

"It's time to get on board"

Go fuck yourself, SoCalJustice.

January belongs to your candidate, but then we'll see how things shake out. Unlike in 2000 and 2004, we're still going to have a race by the time my state gets to vote.

And I'm a Democrat, not an independent. And by the time this is all done, Democrats are going to pick our nominee.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 11:44 AM

U2 is cool? hahaha

I must have missed the memo after my Club for Dorks memebership expired.

Posted by The Fool | January 7, 2008 11:45 AM

"If Edwards turns into any more of a torch and pitchfork populist he should start using Rage's version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad"

Interestingly, Edwards was using a recent cover of the Beatles "Revolution" during December.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 11:48 AM

Mocha Dem - that's a good list except for the awful "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)". Hoo boy is that bad. If that was Obama's theme song I might rethink my support.

Posted by joejoejoe | January 7, 2008 11:48 AM

Mocha Dem,

Thanks for the list. Some good stuff there, particularly #7 and #16. My faith in Obama is restored, despite the U2 pablum.

Posted by Jim W | January 7, 2008 11:48 AM

Yes, Clinton's choice of Celine Dion is a totally unexplicable misstep and far worse than, say, anything by Fleetwood Mac, but I've still got to write that I was a little disappointed that your Celine Dion link didn't go to this.

Posted by Bill Bixby | January 7, 2008 11:50 AM

Wow, Petey, that 10 point deficit to Clinton in N.H. is really smarting, huh?

Good luck in South Carolina. Senator Edwards is only 20 points behind Clinton there as of today.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 11:51 AM

Maybe Edwards is hoping to be Obama's VP pick. Does anyone think that's a possibility?

Posted by Jim W | January 7, 2008 11:54 AM

joejoejoe ,
Given Obama's kumbaya theme plus his airing of early mistakes, When Love Comes To Town might be a perfect match.

Posted by aleks | January 7, 2008 11:55 AM

tinisoli says Jenny was suggesting that Ireland hates U2. That's just stupid. They still play sold-out shows there

If you knew Ireland, you'd know that's not a contradiction - I'm sure the same people who sit in pubs complaining that U2 are a bunch of high and mighty pompous arseholes who need to be brought down a peg and remember where they came from, are also running to buy tickets when they play shows. It's definitely an ambivalent love-hate thing.

Posted by vanya_6724 | January 7, 2008 12:00 PM

...complaining that U2 are a bunch of high and mighty pompous arseholes

That's probably true of most rock stars. Who cares what they're like personally? The problem is that their music is so pompous and bombastic.

Posted by Jim W | January 7, 2008 12:03 PM

The greatest consolation prize of dealing with Edwards' 2nd-place finish is watchin Petey lose it at the slightest provocation.

Petey, you, MattY, and I know nothing about how to win elections. Heck, there aren't many candidates or consultants who do. Rather, you bet on what you think will work, roll the dice, and see if your strategy pays off. Sometimes it turns out you were right, sometimes it turns out you were wrong. It's not worth flipping out over.

Posted by Tyro | January 7, 2008 12:04 PM

"Still, in light of this country's rich heritage of African-American music, it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this."

Standard MSM diversity mongering.

Posted by kafka | January 7, 2008 12:09 PM

When my wife and I attended a fundraiser for Obama in Chicago in the summer, we spent the interminable waiting around time trying to figure out what song he'd use. When he busted out Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground," we were suitably impressed. Helluva campaign song.

That night my wife also took the photo that we've made into this LOL Obama:

Posted by Levi Stahl | January 7, 2008 12:10 PM

"The greatest consolation prize of dealing with Edwards' 2nd-place finish is watchin Petey lose it at the slightest provocation."

I think that's been my MO all along, no?

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 12:12 PM

Joejoejoe

St. Elmo's fire is an impeachable selection from my perspective

Posted by Mocha Dem | January 7, 2008 12:12 PM

"Wow, Petey, that 10 point deficit to Clinton in N.H. is really smarting, huh?"

You can root for Clinton all you like SoCalJustice. That just shows two things: 1) Where your real sympathies lie 2) Your lack of understanding of where the fault lines of this race are going to be in February.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 12:14 PM

Still, in light of this country's rich heritage of African-American music, it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this.

Wow... did you really type this?

"Whiten up?"

Wow. I guess African-American candidates should only like, and use, African-American music for campaigns. Because African-American people only like African-American music, right?

I guess if Clinton or Edwards ever used any "African-American" music they would be "blackening" things up?

Posted by dave | January 7, 2008 12:15 PM

You can root for Clinton all you like SoCalJustice.

From the person who casually threw around the word "stupid" earlier.

Please don't completely melt down, Petey.

It's just politics.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 12:16 PM

>>Still, in light of this country's rich heritage of African-American music, it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this.

Thankfully somebody already put up the playlist, but this is a stupid comment, and one that would have been made if Matt had taken a second to go to a campaign stop or google up each candidates warm-up music.

Obama's pre appearance music is mostly 60/70's r&b and soul. And cause you gotta wait for him, you'll hear the set list twice. I could have sworn I heard something from Bruce's "Magic" yesterday at Pinkerton, but they kept the volume real low so hard to tell.

Posted by Stav | January 7, 2008 12:22 PM

One of the problems with modern music is that it's almost uniformally depressing, idiotic, vulgar, or all three.

U2 is none of the above.

Posted by stinky mcgee | January 7, 2008 12:22 PM

"From the person who casually threw around the word "stupid" earlier."

You were claiming that Obama must have chosen U2 simply because he likes U2, and that we should all stop thinking of it.

I'd say "stupid" was the correct word to be throwing around in that situation.

-----

And as stated, if you support Obama and are rooting for Clinton to beat Edwards for the #2 slot in NH, the word "stupid" applies to you once again.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 12:23 PM

"It's just politics."

Tell that to Nataline Sarkisyan, SoCalJustice. Tell her family "it's just politics".

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 12:30 PM

One of the problems with modern music is that it's almost uniformally depressing, idiotic, vulgar, or all three.

It's all just noise goshdarnit! These kids today with their bama-lama-ding-dongs and their boppity-bop-bops, I tells ya. Whatever happened to that Pat Boone fella anyways? Geez, he was swell...

Posted by vanya_6724 | January 7, 2008 12:30 PM

Petey,

You were claiming that Obama must have chosen U2

Since you confused the meaning of the words "maybe" and "must" - you're really not in a position to be applying the word "stupid" to anyone but yourself.

This primary season is really getting to you. Maybe you should up your meds.

if you support Obama and are rooting for Clinton to beat Edwards for the #2 slot in NH, the word "stupid" applies to you once again.

Of course, since all I did was write about the current polling in South Carolina and N.H., writing nothing about my preferences, "stupid" can easily apply to your assumptions.

I'm not enjoying Edward's express train to irrelevancy, although I'm relishing in Clinton's.

Watching you implode is semi-entertaining though.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 12:31 PM

I guess if Clinton or Edwards ever used any "African-American" music they would be "blackening" things up?

Clinton seems to have found the sensible middle ground; her campaign soundtrack is full of Al Jolson standards.

Posted by JB | January 7, 2008 12:32 PM

To add to Mocha Dem's list, Dial M for Musicology has playlists for many more of the candidates. There's also a link to a good take on U2:

The effect [of the U2 song] is uniformly reported to be exhilarating, and you can see how a song that relies for its feeling on the simultaneous sensation of fast-forward motion and slowly changing harmonic scenery -- old and new at the same time, moving very fast, yet feeling safe and secure -- would appeal to candidates trying to appear both energetic forces for change and reassuring figures of stability.

Posted by Wrongshore | January 7, 2008 12:34 PM

Tell that to Nataline Sarkisyan, SoCalJustice. Tell her family "it's just politics".

Petey, you just convinced me. I'm changing my vote from Obama, whose election to the Presidency of the United States would have destroyed the Sarkisyan family and wiped out all furry, woodland creatures everywhere.

I don't know what I was thinking, backing Obama this whole time. That was definitely "stupid." Think of the all woodland creatures?

You're powers of persuasion are nothing short of masterful.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 12:35 PM

you're = yglesiasitis.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 12:37 PM

Good grief, do you know any black people? I know you live in DC and all. But damn.

As a member of the Negro Subcommittee For Music in Democratic Primaries, the choice of U2 as suitable music for events was agreed to by the subcommittee, with one objection. Al Sharpton wanted some Fables of the Reconstruction era REM thown in.

Posted by stan | January 7, 2008 12:37 PM

If Edwards turns into any more of a torch and pitchfork populist he should start using Rage's version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad"

Why not Morello's solo project, The Nightwatchman? That would work even better.

Joejoejoe & tinisoli:
Have you seen the liner notes to the JT 20th Anniversary box set? You hit the nail on the head.

Mocha Dem:
Gotta love the Sam & Dave. Marvin Gaye too. If only he could throw some Otis Redding in there.

Klug:
No, it was "No Surrender". And speaking of that, people seem to forget that Kerry drew somewhere close to 80,000 to Madison, WI. Of course having the guy that wrote "No Surrender" helped.

Posted by Joe Klein's conscience | January 7, 2008 12:41 PM

"all I did was write about the current polling in South Carolina and N.H"

Yup. This is all just a sporting event to you, SoCalJustice. Fine.

You don't give a shit about the fact that Obama is running against universal healthcare. Fine.

You amazingly want to unite the Democratic vote against Obama and his independent vote and think that will get you the nomination. Fine.

As stated, I believe "stupid" was the correct word to be using in reference to you.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 12:46 PM

Solid analysis again, Petey.

At least you're not doing that much harm as Senator Edward's worst shill.

Not that he needs it, 20 points behind to Clinton in his neighboring state.

I am truly sorry that he won't be the one to rescue us from Bush. Especially since when Obama becomes President, we will have to say goodbye to all the furry, woodland creatures who will suffer greatly in his wake of devastation.

But perhaps that's a small price to pay to read about you and your soon-to-be new best friend, a comfortable, not too restrictive straightjacket?

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 12:53 PM

it's a bit sad to see Obama feeling the need to whiten things up like this

Well, you already proved you were a bigot with the whole "Jew's for Jesus" post. So I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by this comment.

Posted by Jinchi | January 7, 2008 12:58 PM

Have any of the presidential candidates of the last few decades used songs by black artists as their campaign theme songs or for the entrances to major speeches?

Bush Senior used the theme "Don't worry be happy" by Bobby McFerrin.

Which was kind of a good one for a Republican, when you think about it.

Posted by Jinchi | January 7, 2008 1:05 PM

Re "The effect [of the U2 song] is uniformly reported to be exhilarating, and you can see how a song that relies for its feeling on the simultaneous sensation of fast-forward motion and slowly changing harmonic scenery -- old and new at the same time, moving very fast, yet feeling safe and secure -- would appeal to candidates trying to appear both energetic forces for change and reassuring figures of stability."
--------
Is that a Hillary operative trying to remind us that Obama used cocaine in his youth?

Posted by Don Williams | January 7, 2008 1:09 PM

But Celine Dion (no "e", please) is amazing!

Posted by Mary | January 7, 2008 1:17 PM

Thanks to Mocha Dem for posting that piece. I went to a rally in D.C. and it just sounded like an indie mix tape with Duke and Armstrong and Wilco and the Shins and U2 and other ones but who cares? It's not like he had a contest for best campaign song and picked Celine Dionne. I do think he has a soft spot for U2 (he met with Bono earlier this year and they probably talked about economic relief for Africa and Obama's Congo bill). Also when he took the stage to make his announcement a year ago, it was to another U2 song. You may not like their music, but U2 has had a pretty consistent political message since Boy--and its use of Christian imagery for political progressive causes is also consonant with Obama's leanings.

Posted by JC | January 7, 2008 1:28 PM

Re Petey's comment " perhaps most importantly, Bono [of U2] is a high profile fucking Christian"
-----------
"high profile" as "on the STAGE??"

Damm. That explains how he pulls in the crowds -- I knew it wasn't the music.

Posted by Don Williams | January 7, 2008 1:38 PM

Petey, why do I get the impression that you were also arguing that SC would change everything four years ago?

But keep fighting the good fight anyway, man (said with full sincerity).

Posted by strannix | January 7, 2008 1:39 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BKGGfDO6Uo

Hey Matt - if you were in wash square park, you might remember him entering to Kane West. (on edit, looks like he's done this in a number of places)...

Posted by jbiz | January 7, 2008 1:48 PM

David Plotz answered this question in his terrific 2002 assessment: "U2 is perhaps the world's vaguest band."

Soaring, inspiring, and uncontroversial.

Also, the Obama-should-be-playing-black-music argument reminds me of Maude castigating her black maid for not loving Harry Belafonte.

Posted by Sean | January 7, 2008 2:05 PM

SoCal, are you familiar with the concept of "sore winner"?

Petey has invested a ton in this and is trying hard to be civil while his candidate is a super-longshot but the outcome is still in doubt. Whenever you believe and fight and see it slipping away (but not gone yet), it just sucks.

The breathtaking arrogance of the "he just likes U2" (really, either your wrong and stupid, or you're right and Obama's stupid), and the "time to get on board" (is the fucking Borg) is really. I'm an Obama supporter, but this shit drives me crazy.

Petey's been a damn good shill for Edwards, bc he's been transparent and informative all along. His stuff is always Edwards-slanted and never false.

Posted by nolaboyd | January 7, 2008 2:22 PM

80 posts and nobody mentions "Chocolate City"!?

Uh, what's happening CC?
They still call it the White House
But that's a temporary condition, too.
Can you dig it, CC?....

There's a lot of chocolate cities around
We've got Newark, we've got Gary
Somebody told me we got L.A.
And we're working on Atlanta
But you're the capital, CC

just substitute this baby for "Still the One" and that playlist looks pretty good....

Posted by metalpetic | January 7, 2008 2:38 PM

"His stuff is always Edwards-slanted and never false."

'Tis my intention.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 2:51 PM

"80 posts and nobody mentions "Chocolate City"!?"

If we're going to talk the P-Funk, this video is more than slightly apropos at the moment.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 2:59 PM

um, what? that is the most incomprehensible thing I've ever read here.

Posted by onceler | January 7, 2008 3:00 PM

nolaboyd,

Petey has invested a ton in this and is trying hard to be civil while his candidate is a super-longshot but the outcome is still in doubt.

With all due respect, I think you should look up the word "civil" and re-think the phrase "trying hard."

Maybe saying "go fuck yourself" and repeatedly calling others "stupid" fall under your description of someone trying hard to be civil under difficult circumstances, but I doubt most people share your worldview.

My guess is you haven't read this whole thread. If so, you have an interesting take on it.

I'm honestly not bothered at all by his frothing, except for the fact that it doesn't reflect well on Senator Edwards, but since he's "trying hard" to be "civil," I guess I should be thankful.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 3:16 PM

SoCal,

Since you think that polls are somehow on-topic in a thread about campaign music, you might want to note that Edwards today closed to within 2 points of Obama nationally in the Rasmussen tracking poll.

That's the closest he's come to Obama in the history of the Rasmussen poll.

And I'll try to avoid calling you stupid. You seem more nescient to me.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 3:21 PM

Antagonize Petey all you want, but we could really use the Edwards delegates.

Posted by southpaw | January 7, 2008 3:24 PM

You guessed wrong. I read everything

You said something about U2. Petey said you were being stupid, and gave an argument to support it. Rather than respond, you morphed into condescending asshole mode and started citing completely off topic Edwards poll numbers. Then Petey, who has had a bad week (while you've had a very good one) lost it.

You provoked him, he let himself be provoked. Petey could use better self-control. You could try not to be such a dick. Petey's candidate is losing, so I'm inclined to cut him some slack. Yours is winning.

But if you can give some non-asshole reason that you brought up Edwards poll numbers in a conversation about Obama and music selection, I withdraw any criticism.

Posted by nolaboyd | January 7, 2008 3:50 PM

"Petey could use better self-control."

Petey has always believed that if he wins on points when cooler heads examine the paper trail, there is no downside in being pugnacious.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 4:02 PM

I lived in Dublin for several years, and saw two U2 shows there, one in 2001 and one in 2005. Believe me, the Irish do not hate U2. Even those who hate their music are actually pretty proud that an Irish band has the worldwide popularity they do.

I won't defend "City of Blinding Lights" or anything else on their latest album, but they're excellent live and their pre-2000 work is superb arena rock. I think they engender some hostility precisely because of their overwhelming popularity in the world. Of all the blockbuster/platinum bands out there, though, theirs is the music closest to what I listen to anyway from lesser know artists, so I guess I'm not put off by them the way a few of my indie-loving friends are.

Posted by KobayashiMaru | January 7, 2008 4:05 PM

If you want foreign white christians with political/inspirational lyrics why not go for it:

Bruce Cockburn "If I had a Rocket Launcher"

Posted by snoey | January 7, 2008 4:33 PM

nolaboyd,

You guessed wrong. I read everything

That reflects poorly on you, then.

So under the heading of "trying hard" to be "civil" includes both calling people stupid without any provocation and telling them to go fuck themselves because they committed the sin of going "off topic" (in this case citing polling numbers in a thread about candidates during the primary season! Very, very off topic, indeed) in blog comments.

Congratulations on removing all meaning from those words.

Petey,

Since you, on the other hand, continue to repeatedly demonstrate your prescience and genius here, you've really managed to hurt my feelings.

Enjoy your impending commitment.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 7, 2008 4:39 PM

It's pretty apparent that a lot of people on this thread aren't familiar with the U2 song, "In the Name of Love" maybe having it confused with the Thompson Twins song of the same name. I won't claim it's great art, but you can see from the lyrics why it might appeal to a liberal Democrat:

Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride.

Posted by rea | January 7, 2008 5:05 PM

Damnit, SoCal, you're making me laugh, but give Petey a break here. You're being a bit of a bully.

And Petey, I know you're a huge Edwards guy, but try to remember that regardless of whether we get Universal or not (I'm against it, in the spirit of full disclosure), all of the Democratic candidates have committed to addressing the unconscionable situation of the poor and uninsured, and that is an amazing bit of progress compared to 2004. So a little optimism wouldn't be out of place.

Posted by heedless | January 7, 2008 5:23 PM

"And Petey, I know you're a huge Edwards guy, but try to remember that regardless of whether we get Universal or not (I'm against it, in the spirit of full disclosure), all of the Democratic candidates have committed to addressing the unconscionable situation of the poor and uninsured, and that is an amazing bit of progress compared to 2004."

I think Obama's healthcare plan is a step backwards from Kerry's healthcare plan in 2004, to be honest.

I don't think it's enactable as it stands, which means he'd have to introduce mandates in 2009 after spending a year campaigning against them, which would politically cripple his administration. Considering that I'm a Democrat, the prospect of that doesn't make me happy.

Posted by Petey | January 7, 2008 6:16 PM

It's pretty apparent that a lot of people on this thread aren't familiar with the U2 song, "In the Name of Love" maybe having it confused with the Thompson Twins song of the same name.

It's pretty apparent that you aren't familiar with the song either, given that it's real name is actually Pride (In the Name of Love), and is commonly known as "Pride".

Posted by Al | January 7, 2008 6:29 PM

BTW, given the emerging Obama/Hillary warfare, I'm gonna revise my suggestion for Obama's theme music. Not N.W.A., but rather Dr. Dre's "B*tches Ain't Sh*t".

Posted by Al | January 7, 2008 6:37 PM

Well, Matt, here's my obligatory Corrs comment!

Sorry, you mentioned U2 and tried to be a music critic again, so tough shit.

Since Andrea loves Bono (and I suspect vice versa once his mid-life crisis kicks in and he realizes his wife is one year younger than he is), I have to go with liking their music anyway. He's been a big supporter of Andrea, and while U2's music isn't the biggest section on my hard drive, I do have a couple of their songs there.

Mostly, U2 is in US politics because...U2 is in US politics, with all their public commenting, charity crap, etc. So it's no surprise they get played a lot. I mean, do you think some hot college DJ is selecting the mix for a political rally?

Sure, they could find somebody "more American" or "more political" or "more whatever", but it's background music for a political rally where politicians spout bullshit. So who really cares?

I agree with Don Williams - Hillary should hook up with Obama. After her fawning over Chris Matthews, this woman is truly desperate.

Posted by Richard Steven Hack | January 7, 2008 7:53 PM

This is an odd post. Also, I'm pretty sure Obama has used to rap on the trail and some songs by black musicians, as well as having Jin (the Chinese-American rapper) perform at a speech/rally for him in New York.

Posted by Reality Man | January 7, 2008 9:24 PM

David Plotz, in a 2002 article in Slate, had them pegged. It's all beautiful uplift that's so vague it's all-inclusive:

"U2's music—especially the Edge's soaring guitars—supports this lyrical vagueness. Their songs are gorgeous and majestic, but they produce only a single (though wonderful) emotion: a kind of lovely swelling of the soul. (For a sample of this in its purest form, listen to this snatch of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.")"

http://www.slate.com/id/2061087/

Posted by ask2 | January 8, 2008 12:01 AM

What makes you an asshole, So Cal Justice, as opposed to Petey, is that it's pretty clear to a reasonable observer that this is all a big, funny game to you while the political health and well-being of our nation is obviously pretty serious stuff for Petey. Petey does get passionate and even angry sometimes, but your attempt to portray him as 'losing it' just makes you look like a fucking idiot. Is the notion of truly believing in something (actual principles, positions, etc.) really such a foreign concept to you?

Your guy is in the lead (I actually suspect that you're a closet Clinton supporter but that's tangential), so try to have some fucking grace. Sheesshh.

Posted by Warren | January 8, 2008 5:33 AM

Fact. Black people only listen to hip-hop.

Posted by Torteya | January 8, 2008 10:39 AM

Warren,

I've been trashing Clinton all over this blog. The only time I "defend" her is from the ridiculous, paranoid, hateful attacks from Andrew Sullivan.

Please see the "Be Afraid" thread, and you'll see just what type of "closet supporter" of hers that I am.

But seriously, who knew that Petey was such a wilting flower who needed so much "protection"?

He's always the first to dish out insults (as he was here), yet still a handful of his sockpuppets (?) rally to his defense.

Not that you give a rip, but this election is very serious to me.

However, this was a thread about music (which Matt made a very strange comment about whiteness), to which I posted a comment not directed at anyone in particular besides Matt, i guess - then Petey, for whatever reason, perhaps due to the Iowa hangover and the upcoming bad day in New Hampshire (I really don't care), decided to get nasty, and I responded in kind.

Maybe I should get all "serious" after someone pulls something like that and start talking about policy and posting youtube clips that paint my candidate in a sympathetic light, just to make you feel better, but it's not likely going to happen in a blog comment section when someone gets attacked.

Whatever.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 8, 2008 10:51 AM

I should add - I don't have a problem with Edwards at all.

I've told this to Petey before - I supported him in '04. Wrote letters on his behalf to registered voters in South Carolina, and was very disappointed with the Kerry nomination. I know Edwards was the better candidate.

He would make a great president, and I wish the best for him and his family.

But since I'm "stupid," (and worse, this cycle I'm supporting another candidate) that hardly matters.

Posted by SoCalJustice | January 8, 2008 11:00 AM