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Your Next President Knows Your Playlist

Writer's picture: Janaidy Ruiz Janaidy Ruiz

Politicians have always used music to communicate to their audiences

Photo by Cottonbro Studios
Photo by Cottonbro Studios

After Megan Thee Stallion was announced to perform at Vice President Kamala Harris’s first campaign rally in Atlanta earlier this year, the Harris campaign received some backlash from conservative voters. Despite this, Megan still performed family-friendly versions of hits like “Mamushi” and “Body” to a receptive and energetic crowd. 

“[Now] I know my ladies [in the crowd] love their bodies. And if you want to keep loving your body, you know who to vote for,” said the rapper to the audience. Megan was a strategic choice by the Harris campaign to appeal to young voters, especially to those who may resonate with the rapper’s body-positive messages, devotion to public health, and outspokenness on other social issues like domestic violence.  


Music as a political tool is not a new concept, from Andrew Jackson’s campaign songs in 1828 to Barack Obama’s summer playlists, politicians have always used music to communicate to their audiences. Even former President Donald Trump has used songs like “Macho Man” by The Village People and “We Will Rock You” by Queen. For some, music is a gateway to political expression and can be a guiding hand toward the polls, motivating people to become more politically aware and engaged. As campaigns continue to utilize the power of music to reach different audiences, music’s ability to create emotional connections makes it a small, but significant factor during election season.

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