User-Generated Campaign Music and the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election

Abstract

Introduction: YouTube and American PoliticsOn the evening of November 6, 2012, Diane Sawyer of ABC News invited a handful of American citizens who had voted earlier that day to tell the network's national television audience about their "very own" election soundtracks (see Screen Captures 1 and 2). 1 The songs those citizens identified and partially sang-some of them (citizens and songs) more playful(ly) than others-included "The Star-spangled Banner," James Brown's "I Feel Good," Shorty Long's "Devil in the Blue Dress," 2 Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A.," and "God Bless America."Sawyer's election-night feature story was created to amuse rather than inform: a diversion from the more serious business of tabulating votes and anticipating concession speeches.Nevertheless, her story referenced an important aspect of a vigorous and even viciously fought presidential campaign: that aspect was music.Screen Capture 1: Diane Sawyer on ABC News,

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