The Musical Leader: Democratic Presidential Candidates as Music Albums
As the race for the White House continues, here’s a look at what the top-polling candidates in the Democratic primary might be as music albums.
Written by Andrew Zhang
Photo courtesy of AP
The 2020 presidential election is right around the corner and preparation for it has been long underway. With the Republican nomination sure to be Donald Trump, the race for the Democratic nomination has been a wild ride with over a dozen candidates.
For those who have been following the nomination, here’s a new way to understand the highest polling candidates. For those who haven’t, take this listicle as a musical way to learn about the top contenders.
Joe Biden – Born in the U.S.A, Bruce Springsteen
Image courtesy of Columbia Records, Photo courtesy of Joe Biden for President
Bruce Springsteen’s iconic album Born in the U.S.A. tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran’s life back home in America. The album’s underlying message — which is particularly detailed in the song “No Surrender” — reveals the understanding that patriotism entails continuing to advocate for what’s right, even though the subject of the album may not be in physical war anymore.
Joe Biden is the veteran of this primary field, having served over thirty years in the Senate and as vice president. He’s clearly tired of sitting on the sidelines and “Dancing in the Dark” under Trump, remaining adamant about remaining a player in the war of politics. His campaign flies on the tailwinds left from legacy under Barack Obama. While many would claim that his “Glory Days” in politics are over, his leading position in the race says otherwise. He’s proud of the work that occurred under his administration and runs on a platform of improving policies passed during his tenure instead of creating new ones.
Bernie Sanders – 4:44, Jay-Z
Photo courtesy of The Office of Senator Bernie Sanders, Image courtesy of Tidal
Critics often harp on Bernie Sanders for advocating socialist policies when he is, in fact, rather wealthy. Nonetheless, his policies directed towards elevating working class people and decreasing the wealth gap are the ones that have propelled Sanders to stardom, where he has stayed since the hay-day of the previous presidential election. The complex between the rich and the working poor is frequently referenced on Jay-Z’s 4:44 alongside the larger story of his marital troubles.
“Legacy” addresses generational wealth, and how he wants to leave the money he’s earned to his family so they can “start an institute” and “put poor kids through school.” On “Family Feud,” he proclaims that the only thing “better than one billionaire” is two, referencingof spreading a fortune to his people that are less fortunate. These messages align with Sanders’ policy ideas to distribute wealth and opportunities across all Americans.
Additionally, Jay-Z on “Moonlight” expresses his disappointment with the current rap industry, similar to how Sanders is tired of the games of special interests and dark money in modern politics. He made an effort to come off as an honest, open candidate with grassroots campaigning in 2016, and has continued that trend with his current quest for the White House.
Elizabeth Warren – Red, Taylor Swift
Image courtesy of Big Machine Records, Photo courtesy of The Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren
Many Americans may struggle with supporting Warren’s campaign over electability concerns, specifically regarding the controversy over her Native American heritage. Similarly, those who dislike Taylor Swift’s current musical style might refrain from listening to her 2012 release Red — however, both Red and Warren hold a lot of promise.
Red is another album about love from Swift — the ups and downs, the good and bad. Warren’s campaign has been about about remembering that America was built on individual good for everyone, and moving on from negative societal aspects that prevent that good.
Warren’s campaign centers itself around the middle class, determined to fight against huge corporations that hold massive monopolies and unfairly receive tax benefits. After spending years researching bankruptcy and law at institutions like Harvard, she knows “All Too Well” the damaging nature of greed. She’s written many detailed plans on controlling corporate greed, like breaking up big technology companies and reducing corporate influence on Congress. Like Swift preaches about starting new from a broken relationship on “Begin Again,” Warren wants to completely revamp the economic system to help everyday people.
And let’s just say it: Elizabeth Warren definitely knew Donald Trump was trouble when he walked in.
Kamala Harris – To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar
Photo courtesy of The Office of Senator Kamala Harris, Image courtesy of Top Dawg Entertainment
Kamala Harris has had a remarkable life story. The daughter of immigrants, she went through primary school as part of the infamous busing program and became the Attorney General of California and a senator. Kendrick Lamar has a similar rags to riches story. He was raised on welfare in Compton, and has become one of the most important rappers of all time. His 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly is hailed as an all-time-great, and describes the perils of racial and social justice in songs like “Institutionalized” and “Mortal Man.” Harris’ campaign roots itself in issues along these lines, focusing on communities of color and low-income Americans.
The lead single “i” says that the key to self-love is understanding that you have to remain faithful to yourself in the face of hate. Harris’s campaign has received lots of scrutiny over her past as a prosecutor, specifically her outlook on marijuana and truancy violations — two issues which heavily affect her campaign’s target audience. However, her campaign has continued to fare relatively well with her friendly nature and personal confidence in the ideas she presents.
Pete Buttigieg – ÷, Ed Sheeran
Image courtesy of Atlantic Records, Photo courtesy of Pete for America
÷, pronounced “divide,” is the 2017 release by English superstar Ed Sheeran. The album was an objective success, with lead single “Shape of You” shattering charts and still holding a record-high number of Spotify streams. While the album got the numbers, ÷ seemed to miss the emotional depth and power that Sheeran’s older songs like “The A Team” or “Thinking Out Loud” had.
Pete Buttigieg has arguably the most unique story of all the candidates (which is no small feat in this diverse crowd). A Harvard-graduate Rhodes Scholar, he served in the military as a closeted gay man under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Today, he’s running for president as a “New Man” that’s “just tryin’ to be loved.”
He’s calling for a generational change in politics, running at only 37 years old and hoping to inspire a new portion of the American electorate with his moderate platform. Just like ÷ didn’t seem to meet the singer’s demonstrated songwriting potential, Buttigieg doesn’t quite maximize his capabilities. He’s created plans related to the LGBTQ+ and military communities, yet doesn’t press their significance. Considering his membership in both groups, Buttigieg seems to miss an excellent opportunity to jump ahead of the crowd.
The Runners Up:
Because a list of every candidate in the Democratic primary would’ve lasted forever, we only highlighted those topping the polls right now. But here’s a non-exhaustive list of additional contenders with an album that could represent them.
Tom Steyer – Headstrong, Ashley Tisdale
Andrew Yang – Queen, Nicki Minaj
Cory Booker – ALL AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, Joey Bada$$
Tulsi Gabbard – The Life of Pablo, Kanye West
Julian Castro – Bangerz, Miley Cyrus
Beto O’Rourke – Free Spirit, Khalid
Amy Klobuchar – Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes
Marianne Williamson - “Goodie Bag” - Still Woozy