Musical candidates: Why musicians are getting political
Katie Conigliaro
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: A & E
Professor Steven Michels, associate professor of political science, said that this occurrence of musicians requesting their music not be used is but a repetition of history. "It's always interesting when campaigns pick songs only to have their artist endorse another candidate or ask that the song not be used. That happened with Bruce Springsteen after Ronald Reagan's people started using "Born in the USA" for his reelection campaign in 1984."
The issue of whether or not musicians should use their microphones and money as political influence is always a topic of interest. Laura Norbut, a junior at Sacred Heart University said, "I think it is definitely okay. Everyone has a right to be involved in the political process. Musicians shouldn't just take a back seat just because they are famous."
Senior Jennifer Crowley said, "I think it's cool that musicians are stepping up and coming to the plate to bring younger people into politics. However, I don't know how effective Daddy Yankee is. On a positive note, I really do think that it's good for the candidates to bring in younger people by having celebrities endorse them."
However, not everyone feels the same way. Senior Vin Artese said, "I think that having musicians push their political agendas is dangerous because people don't think anymore. Especially in our generation."
Music in itself is generally used as a tool. Sophomore Kevin Greulich said, in response to songs being used as political techniques, "yes, that's fine. Songs are messages that the politicians are trying to send."
The issue of whether or not musicians should use their microphones and money as political influence is always a topic of interest. Laura Norbut, a junior at Sacred Heart University said, "I think it is definitely okay. Everyone has a right to be involved in the political process. Musicians shouldn't just take a back seat just because they are famous."
Senior Jennifer Crowley said, "I think it's cool that musicians are stepping up and coming to the plate to bring younger people into politics. However, I don't know how effective Daddy Yankee is. On a positive note, I really do think that it's good for the candidates to bring in younger people by having celebrities endorse them."
However, not everyone feels the same way. Senior Vin Artese said, "I think that having musicians push their political agendas is dangerous because people don't think anymore. Especially in our generation."
Music in itself is generally used as a tool. Sophomore Kevin Greulich said, in response to songs being used as political techniques, "yes, that's fine. Songs are messages that the politicians are trying to send."
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