2020: The Leaven staff for president

by Olivia Martin

Since working for The Leaven, I have paid more attention to the news than ever. And because of that, I like to think of myself as in-the-know.

But, I have a confession to make: I have not been following the 2020 presidential race very closely. 

Mainly, I’ve been trying to save some time and energy by planning to pay attention when only three or four remain.

But an article I read recently helped me be in-the-know sooner than I expected.

Last week, our managing editor Anita McSorley came across a unique article on the 2020 presidential candidates that the New York Times (NYT) put together.

It’s called, “What Do Rally Playlists Say About the Candidates?”

The article delves into the songs each 2020 presidential candidate plays at his or her rally. The songs are hand chosen by each candidate to communicate his or her personality, platform and to appeal to his or her target audience. 

It turns out, you can get to know the candidates quickly through their music.

Inspired, I decided to put the NYT article’s strategy to the test. 

I asked The Leaven staff to join the 2020 presidential race — and each of us compiled a mini campaign rally playlist. And boy, has it been fun!

The following are the results, some with brief (but entertaining) commentary.

Enjoy, get to know The Leaven’s 2020 presidential candidates and, of course, vote for Olivia!

Father Mark Goldasich, Editor: Dancin’ into 2020

1. “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical” — Zac Efron and various artists
2. “Get the Party Started”— P!nk
3. “The Greatest Show” from “The Greatest Showman” — Hugh Jackman and various artists
4. “Don’t Fight It” — Kenny Loggins

Anita McSorley, Managing Editor: Head bangin’ into 2020

1. “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me”— Billy Joel
2. “Old Time Rock and Roll”— Bob Seger
3. “We Will Rock You”— Queen
4. “The Heart of Rock and Roll”— Huey Lewis & The News
5. “I Love Rock ‘N Roll”— Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Todd Habiger, Production Manager: Serenading into 2020

1. “Never Ending Story”— Limahl
   “Ok, it’s corny, but it’s a song about hopes and dreams. What campaign doesn’t need some hopes and dreams in it?”
2. “Give a Little Bit”— Supertramp
   “A song about working together. My campaign would be all about working with the people to create something great. Not me doing everything, but a partnership between me and the voters.”
3. “Don’t Look Back”— Boston 
   “Forget what’s happened in the past. This campaign is looking towards a bright future.”
4. “We’ve Only Just Begun”— The Carpenters 
   “A little song that this campaign is just beginning. The future is there for us to mold but a reminder that this is just the beginning of that future.”
5. “Good Feeling” — Flo Rida
   “Upbeat song about good feelings. My campaign would be full of good feelings. And it has the lyric ‘I’ll be the president one day.’” 

Joe Bollig, Senior Reporter: Marchin’ into 2020

1. “Battle Cry of Freedom” — George F. Root
2. “Marching Through Georgia” — Henry Clay Works
3. “Indian War Whoop” — Hoyt Ming and His Pep Steppers
4. “Sing, Sing, Sing” — Benny Goodman
5. “All of Me” — Billie Holiday

Beth Blankenship, Advertising Coordinator: Cheesin’ into 2020

1. “On the Road Again”— Willie Nelson
2. “Everyday People” — Sly and the Family Stone
3. “It’s a Beautiful Day” — Michael Bublé
4. “Fight Song” — Rachel Platten
5. “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” — Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Jill Ragar Esfeld, Freelancer: Finger snappin’ into 2020

1.  “The Times They Are A-Changin’” — Bob Dylan
   “Because it’s a timeless political protest song and because BOB DYLAN.”
2. “Radar Love”— Golden Earring
   “Because it is hands-down the best road song EVER; and I assume I would be on road a lot if I’m campaigning for president.”

Ellie Melero, Intern: Fist-bumpin’ into 2020

1. “The Climb”— Miley Cyrus
2. “Vivir Mi Vida”— Marc Anthony
3. “What Do I Know?”— Ed Sheeran

Olivia Martin (me), Reporter: Triumphing into 2020

1. “Freedom”(Homecoming Live version) — Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
   “Ok, a live marching band and Beyoncé’s powerful voice singing a modern freedom spiritual? Please and thank you.”
2. “Born in the U.S.A.”— Bruce Springsteen
   “A classic about being proud of our home.”
3. “I Like America & America Likes Me” — The 1975
   “An energetic and subtle song about anxiety and protest.”
4. “How Great” — Chance the Rapper feat. Jay Electronica & My cousin Nicole
   “Modern take on the greatest spiritual ever. Our nation during my presidency will allow ‘all will see how great is our God.’”