176 Comments

Ari, let’s address the elephant in the room: Trump was sweating and slurring his words, not effectively answering questions. The music was his only option to protect his medical issues. He crumbled.

So, why not look at his physical presence and consider how effective he would be as a world leader. He won’t be able to deflect away from his weaknesses then.

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Wish that were so. Just as Reagan staffers...and maybe Nancy, covered for Ron at the tail end...and who knows how much longer? There were some who stuck with Trump thinking they could keep a lid on the hole in his head. Yet, January 6th happened.

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founding
Oct 17Liked by Ari Melber

The other song from the Obama inauguration ball that stays with me is At Last sung by Beyoncé. But for drump to have played Time to Say Goodbye is epic

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In 1968 management broke my mother's union and she was out of a job. At her fairwell party she asked me to bring my guitar and sing for her attendees. I sang "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night." That same year I was asked to sing at my 8th grade graduation commencement. Earlier that evening the news announced the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. I had just seen him at our local airport in Northern California, shook his hand across the fence between us, and the next day he was gunned down. That night I sang Bob Dylan's "With God on Our Side." People were crying, no one hardly clapped. That time, those songs are still indelible in my heart and memory.

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Oct 17Liked by Ari Melber

Yes, I do think some campaign music has an impact on an election. I love Kamala Harris’s pick “Freedom”! Very effective! I don’t think Trump deserves any credit for his picks. There is no rhyme or reason for some of them. You’re crediting him with emotional feelings I don’t believe he has. Trump has negative campaign opinions about LGBTQ people but plays YMCA? The man lacks any understanding of music or the effects music has on people.

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Being of the Vietnam war era I was all in with CSN&Y so my favorites that resonated with me were Ohio and more gently Teach Your Children Well. When Clinton won… Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow!!! These songs were so intense and emotional in reflecting the mood of the time.

Great article Ari!

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Oct 17Liked by Ari Melber

"One Nation Under A Groove"...is what comes to mind. I thought about "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" but it may be a bit too radical for some. Enjoying your show as always - be well - stay safe!

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Those are both interesting ones. Harris loves Bootsy (from p funk) and he is doing a song for her this cycle.. I almost mentioned that above!

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I'll be on the lookout for this song. BTW, I'm a big fan of Parliament-Funkadelic since they performed at my school (SUNY at Buffalo) many years ago...

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Oct 17Liked by Ari Melber

Ari great article. I don't know what to say about Trumps musical performance; even dementia patients can respond better to music, and can even get dancing. Performance camouflage Trump ability to answer questions since he just has concepts.

I must go with Bruce Springsteen since I am originally a "Jersey Girl" growing up in Rumson (Clarence Clemons lived around the corner from us). In college my room mates and I would hang out at the Stone Pony in Asbury to see Bruce. Those were the days!

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To me music has always been the universal language. Interesting point, Harris gets permission trump steals, just like he does with everything in his life. Even something as wonderful as the creativity of the artist and the pleasure music can bring he taints with his actions.

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Ear worm of the day "play that funky music, white boy."

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Ummm, I definitely would not use Trump as my DJ lol. The sad thing is music makes us feel happy and uplifted and his choice of music hurts my head as the songs have no rhyme or reason. Looking forward to your Zoom call. Now Ari, if someone asks a question….don’t start taking about batteries and sharks 🦈. Music is okay though because you after all are the lyric man 🤓

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So you're not looking to book him, got it : )

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I would rather elope that have him as my DJ 🤣🤣🤔🤔

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Although if Ari starts playing his playlist just let him go….would be great 😂😂

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Ari would have to teach him how to dance as well. That’s a tall order for him to do both…but it would be fun to watch 🤣

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But. Ari doesn’t dance 😂😂😂🙏

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I think he does… I think he’s a closet dancer. We will have to ask him on Zoom🤣

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Great idea !!!

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Oct 17·edited Oct 17

It’s simply impossible to hear “Happy Days Are Here Again,” and not think FDR. Although before my time, I can only imagine that it gave hope to those experiencing “The Great Depression.” During the Clinton Era, “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow”, brought in a youthful candidate and a forward looking administration-after Reaganomics and the Iraq War. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, was always one of my favorite dance songs, you just can’t go wrong with Stevie. Harris’ use of “Freedom”, encompasses a whole lotta women’s political struggles of today. I never really thought about a favorite campaign song, I simply know that whenever I hear the above songs, I’m reminded of the indicated candidate and subsequent presidents. I guess the impact represents good times.

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So then, Trump's campaign song is 'Eve Of Destruction' by Barry McGuire, my Queen?

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founding

Hello Olddiva,

I enjoyed reading your response! I find myself singing along to the "Freedom" lyrics when VP Harris comes on a rally stage! 😊

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Hi S.R., same here-don’t even care if I am out of tune. The song makes me feel uplifted. I’m aware of the polls, but I’m expecting: “WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN”!

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founding

Word up!

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😂😂😂👏🏽

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Awaiting Kamala to speak in WI, on YouTube. Listening to a great Playlist!

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Hi Ari, Glad we’re finally getting back to talking about music again, even if it still involves talking about the campaigns. I think most people are glad it’s finally winding down, even though I don’t think it will end in November. We’re probably going to be dealing with the election for many more months. Looking forward to the Zoom & hoping it will be much more lighthearted then the last two where we heard very little about music, travel & happy stuff & a lot about war in Ukraine etc. BTW …. The Beat has been really on FIRE for the past couple of weeks. Great job Ari. Looking forward to those ratings going thru the roof again. 🔥🙌🙋‍♀️

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Speaking of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks just wrote and performed on SNL this past weekend, “The Lighthouse”, telling us to fight those who want to take our power, our rights away. That resonated with me, as a woman who had certain rights that are no longer afforded to many. Another song that resonates is “Put A Woman In Charge” by Ken’ Mo’ with Roseanne Cash.

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Samuel Johnson said it best: “Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.” Now that Trump is no longer a game show host, he’s pretending to be a rock star, musician, dancer… some other form of entertainer because that’s how he sees himself. As Harris has said, “Donald Trump is not a serious person.” The fact that this doesn’t matter to him nor to those seeking to make him POTUS is proof that we’re witnessing the creation and spread of a cult. What a grave sadness.

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founding

Hi Ari! Thanks for the news letter. I love music during campaigns, definitely helps, but I love music anytime! This article was very thought-provoking and well crafted. Looking forward to the zoom call. Favorite protest songs: Alright - Kendrick Lamar, What’s Going On - Marvin Gaye, Glory- Common and John Legend, my mom’s favorite A Change Gonna Come - Sam Cooke!

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Hi Ari, thanks for the newsletter and thanks for the upcoming Zoom call. I was thinking about that Zoom call while I was walking outside and was wondering if there will be a Zoom call this year. But then I thought you are quite busy especially since this is a presidential election year. I will sign up for the Zoom call😃😃😃

Do you think campaign music has an impact? Yes mostly definitely! Campaign music helps to define the theme of the campaign and send a message to voters.

What are your favorite song from politics or protest music? I thought about Bob Marley’s One Love Peace concert where he united two political rivals in Jamaica. The song played at that moment was “One Love”.

Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is another favorite protest song😃😃😃

Looking forward to seeing you at the Zoom call…Cheers😃😃😃

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Hello, Ms O! I hope I can participate in this Zoom call. The Glitch Gremlins got me the last time.

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