Candidates for the 2008 Presidential Election are voicing their messages not only through speeches, but also by means of popular music. The use of endorsements made by musicians, and the use of songs during key moments in campaigning, is a calculated factor in drawing the attention of voters. By associating themselves with a particular song or genre, the candidates hope to gain appeal with more of the voting public.

Barack Obama, Illinois senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate, has the backing of many artists such as Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., The Goo Goo Dolls, and others. Republican candidate Senator John McCain of Arizona has the support of Burt Bacharach, new-to-the-industry singer Heidi Montag, and his most recent enthusiast, Daddy Yankee.

According to www.abc7news.com, on Aug. 25 at Phoenix High School in Az., Cindy McCain's alma mater, John McCain greeted high school students while accepting an endorsement from reggae artist Yankee.

Yankee, a Puerto Rico native and fan of McCain's immigration policy said, "I believe in his ideals and his proposals. He's been a fighter for the Hispanic community. He's been a fighter for the immigration issue." If effective, the endorsement could draw young and Hispanic voters. Yankee is a popular music artist among Spanish-speaking Americans.

Obama has had no problem gaining endorsements from musicians. On April 16, MSNBC noted that Bruce Springsteen has wholeheartedly approved of Obama's nomination and expressed desire for him to be elected as president in a letter to his fans. The letter can be found on Springsteen's website. In reference to Obama, Springsteen said, "he speaks of the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years."

According to WNBC, Jackson Browne is allegedly suing McCain as well as the Ohio and the National Republican Committee for using his song "Running on Empty" without his permission."

Also included in the suit are other disgruntled musicians such as ABBA and John Mellencamp, both of whom have also had their music used on behalf of McCain's campaign without their permission. They each have requested that their music not be used to further promote the candidate.

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."