The Story of the 2008 Presidential Election in Song: A Playlist (Parts 3-5)

Part 3: The Media

“You’re The Best” - Joe Esposito

CNN claims it’s got “The Best Political Team on Television,” while Fox News claims it’s got “The Best Political Team Ever.” With slogans this superlative, how come the coverage sucks so bad?

“The President’s Penis is Missing” - Drive-By Truckers

Patterson Hood and company remind us to keep the focus on the issues.

Part 4: The Issues

“War Pigs” - The Flaming Lips

Early on, before the economy took center stage in this election, it was all about the war in Iraq. This cover of Black Sabbath’s classic helps us remember that we still have soldiers risking their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan every day.

“New Health Rock” - TV on the Radio

Obama plans to implement an affordable, quality health-care plan for all U.S. citizens, while McCain plans to increase the variety and affordability of health insurance through innovation and competition. Whose plan do you prefer?

“Mexicali Blues” - The Grateful Dead

What should we do about the complicated issue of illegal immigration? How can we deal with it in a fair, humane, yet practical way? It’s mindbending enough to drive you headfirst into a bottle of tequila! (Don’t worry, though, Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead feel your pain.)

“Gasoline Dreams” - Outkast

Thankfully, both republicans and democrats can agree on this: Energy independence is huge priority for America if the country wants to excel in the 21^st century.

“All the Money’s Gone” - Greg Brown

The mortgage crisis, the stock-market crash, government-sponsored bailouts? What happens when all the money’s gone?

Part 5: The Payoff

“Downtown Money Waster” - The Black Crowes

2008 was a record year for political fundraising. It makes you think - couldn’t all those millions of dollars in donations been better spent on disaster relief and feeding the homeless?

“It’s The End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” - R.E.M.

No matter what happens in November, this is a historic election: either a woman will be vice president or a black man will be president. No matter your politics, that, in itself, is a good thing for America.