Logically, policy questions trump most others in the lead-up to any major election. That's wise and fair. But an exorbitant amount of coverage is devoted to some of the most pointless, arbitrary and benign topics known to man. Barack Obama didn't wear a flag pin on his lapel! John McCain's wife is frightening to look at! Who cares?
Good people can like awful music. But doesn't the media's message that consumption defines a person's character still matter? Surely, the consequences are not as pronounced as the angry parents who point fingers at Marilyn Manson every time there's a school shooting would like you to believe, but there are implications. That said, it's a bit disconcerting that the two presumptive presidential nominees have remained largely candid about their musical tastes.These are difficult questions with evasive answers. But after much scouring, the historically moderate A&E department is set to endorse a nominee based on what matters most: taste.
Barack Obama
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Obama divulged the contents of his iPod and the results were widely encouraging. Singer/songwriter legends Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan were among his favorites, along with the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and Howlin' Wolf. Not an objectionable one in the bunch. On top of that, Obama is also a fan of some exceptional jazz: Miles Davis, Charlie "Bird" Parker and John Coltrane.
Sheryl Crow was a vapid pop misstep, but he redeemed himself by professing his admiration for Jay-Z. Overall, Obama's tastes are safe, but also - for the most part - indisputable in terms of overall quality. Not that it reflects on his tastes, in particular, but The Decemberists, Arcade Fire and Wilco have all voiced their support of Obama.
If only he could entice the influential Toby Keith of "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)" fame.
John McCain
Apparently, John McCain's tastes can be summed up in four letters, and/or one crappy Swedish pop group: ABBA.
According to The Austin American Statesman, McCain fiercely defended the '70s group, stating that "ABBA was the largest selling (recording act ever). Nobody likes them, but they sold more records than anybody in the history of the world, including the Beatles. But everybody hates them. (But) you're a no-class guy if you like ABBA. Why does everybody go see 'Mamma Mia?' Hypocrisy! Rank hypocrisy! I'm not embarrassed to say I like ABBA."
In separate interviews, McCain has advocated that ABBA be played in the White House elevators, and it was reported that, upon entering a hybrid SUV equipped with a voice activated iPod, McCain barked, "Play ABBA!"
