SAM SEDER: In the same way you used to create a mixtape for a potential girlfriend or boyfriend, presidential candidates use the music at campaign rallies in an attempt to woo their supporters.
In our number-one story — President Obama has released his song list for the upcoming campaign. Using Spotify, which is an online music-streaming service where users can share songs as well as playlists, the president gave supporters a peek into what songs they can look forward to hearing at the rallies.
The 104-minute, 28-song playlist displays an eclectic array of musical acts. Ranging from country to rock, and of course, some classic R&B. Only two acts are on the list more then once — the country band Sugarland and Darius Rucker, best known for his years as the frontman to Hootie and the Blowfish, who abandoned his Blowfish for a more country sound.
Suspiciously absent from the list is any hip-hop music, which President Obama has, in the past, indicated resides on his iPod. But the campaign made it clear that the music was a collection of picks by staffers and not the president himself. But there is one song the president had some input in:
(Excerpt from video clip) OBAMA: I'm so in love with you.
SEDER: Yes, Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" made the list. Let's bring in national political correspondent for Rolling Stone Tim Dickinson. Thanks for your time tonight, Tim.
TIM DICKINSON: Absolutely, Sam. Good to see you.
SEDER: Good to see you. Now, I don't want to read too much into this, but does this song list tell us anything about the — the type of campaign President Obama is going to run?
DICKINSON: You know, I think less the music than the fact that it's on Spotify, and the fact that they're using sort of new tools and new social media to reach out to voters, and it's sort of — the 2008 campaign was very innovative in its use of technology and this, I think, is a signal that the 2012 campaign is seeking to push the envelope. Even though they're the incumbent, they're not being sort of safe and cozy about it.
So, they're reaching out to — their former supports, hopefully current supporters, with a mixtape from a guy they used to have a fling with and he wants to let them know that he's still thinking about them.
SEDER: It's interesting. So, it's more almost the medium than it is the message?
DICKINSON: Well, each of the songs — it's kind of like getting a mixtape from a girlfriend or boyfriend. There are certain messages that come through, a lot of talk about standing up and using your voice and certain campaign themes come through. There is a country song that says, "I know you're with another guy right now but keep me in mind." I don't know if that's for Ron Paul supporters, or what. But each of these things is kind of a little puzzle to think about, you know, "Why is this on the mix?"
And then there are just some song that are good music. Some Booker T — I don't think there's a secret political message behind "Green Onions." But — it's nice music, it's easy to listen to. I do think it is — it is a combination, but I think it's mostly interesting, in terms of meeting supporters where they are, where they reside on Facebook, listening to music.
SEDER: So, let me ask you this — if there are some songs in there that are sort of delivering some subliminal messages — there's a lot of country songs on the list, but no hip-hop. Now, I know the list was made by staffers, but the president has said he listens to hip-hop. There are plenty of clean hip-hop artists out there, of course. Why not include one them?
DICKINSON: Yeah, no, it's a bit curious. There's certainly — there's nothing on this play list that would get Tipper Gore angry. There is nothing that requires a parental label.
You know, in his interviews with my magazine, the president has suggested his own musical taste is a good deal more interesting, leaning towards Nas and Jay-Z and even Lil Wayne. So, it's a bit curious, but I think that, you know, that in pushing the envelope with the medium, I think they are being very careful, at least in this initial mix, to be kind of vanilla with the choosings of the songs. But there's — a fake conspiracy theory circulating that the president has a separate Spotify list for his African American supporters, but I think that's just a joke.
SEDER: That's — that's quite — all right, so, let me ask you this, are we going to see any, like, GOPers now release — any of the candidates release their lists on Spotify? Are they going to be playing catch-up here?
DICKINSON: I think it's going to be hard for the GOP candidates to make use of the same tools here. I don't think anybody's really interested in what Newt Gingrich's musical tastes are, and most of these folks are getting in trouble for using "Eye of the Tiger" without authorization. So, I think they're likely to end up in more hot water for trying something like this than the President.
SEDER: I got to tell you, Tim, I would love to know what music Newt Gingrich listens to.
DICKINSON: Well, his cellphone ringtone is Abba so — go figure.
SEDER: All right, I think I know enough. Well, Tim, I guess we'll wait and see if any of those Republicans follow suit. I appreciate your coming by and breaking it down for us and now, I guess, I've got to go listen.
DICKINSON: Yeah, no, it's great to be with you. Thanks, Sam.
SEDER: National political correspondent for Rolling Stone, Tim Dickinson. Thanks again.
