When late-night host Arsenio Hall strutted out on stage in his pleated pants in June of 1992, he was greeted by his band in typical funk fashion. The crowd was roaring, and while on a normal night his studio audience would greet him with warm applause, tonight they were not cheering for him; the night belonged to Bill Clinton.
Then-candidate, Bill Clinton opened the show by leading the late-night band in playing Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel.” The night quickly turned from The “Arsenio Hall Show with Special Guest Bill Clinton” into “Bill Clinton Live.” For over a minute Clinton rocked out on his shiny tenor saxophone while rocking a pair of Blues Brothers’ Ray-Ban shades, with a roaring live audience and millions watching at home.
Artistic talent, or even effort, is hugely advantageous for politicians.
Barack Obama has been called the “rock star president” and “celebrity-in-chief,” but he cannot rock like Clinton. Whether or not the viewer agreed with Clinton’s vision for America, there was no denying that this guy was cool.
Today, every presidential candidate makes an appearance on the late-night circuit in an effort to sway the young, drunk, should-be-asleep demographic. Typically, the candidate will try and work in a pre-written joke or two to try and keep up with the host. None succeed to out-wit the full-time comedian, but a few have managed to connect with the audience in a visceral way, through music and the arts.
Nothing connects humans the way music does. This last weekend marked the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, which quickly entered the national conscience and has been sung at just about every sporting event since. Music transcends time, remaining relevant long after its creation..
With its power to bring people together, music can bring about global change. A blow was struck against communism when Bruce Springsteen sent rock ‘n’ roll and blue jeans through the iron curtain.
Music is powerful, and modern politicians should make note of its power.
Clinton managed to connect with an audience in 1992 in a way that politicians of late have failed to emulate. When billions are spent in presidential elections to connect with potential voters, there is obviously a lot at stake. But negative ads, mailers, and door knocking can only get a candidate so far.
A question often posed during presidential campaigns is “which candidate would you rather have a beer with?” The question puts issues aside, and asks what voters think of the candidate personally.
Music offers voters a chance to connect personally with a candidate. Few politicians have tapped into the feelings that music offers, but those who have have been successful.
Former Governor Mike Huckabee is slapping the bass every chance he gets, and music has even turned into a major portion of his Fox News show. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, and Senator Orin Hatch of Utah are all exceptional pianists. Former presidential candidate John Huntsman dropped out of high school to play keyboard in a rock band. Sarah Palin played the flute in the Miss Alaska Pageant. These individuals’ musical accomplishments have become part, even if only a small part, of the story of their success in politics.
Connecting with voters is not limited to music. Other artistic mediums have offered opportunities for politicians to provide a human element to their efforts.
Following his time in office, former President George W. Bush started painting. This has offered the public a more human look at a former president, and while post hoc ergo propter hoc is a fallacy it is worth noting that his approval ratings are now higher than even Obama’s. Winston Churchill also painted, and found wide-reception for his works.
Former House Majority Leader Tom Delay left office following criminal charges, but he helped redeem himself by appearing on Season 9 of “Dancing with the Stars.” Whether or not he committed campaign fraud, the congressman had moves.
Connecting with others through art doesn’t even demand one be gifted. A larger-than-life Chris Christie appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” last Father’s Day to take part in a sketch called “The Evolution of Dad Dancing.” Every viewer would agree that Christie could use a dance class or two, yet his buffoonery connected with audiences in a way that no stump speech could.
Peggy Noonan, former speechwriter for Ronald Reagan and columnist for The Wall Street Journal, wrote about her experience on the campaign trail with Chris Christie last year. The message was simple: politics is feeling. And guess what, the arts evoke feelings.
Whether a candidate is a sax man, has twinkle toes, or is on his way to being the next Rembrandt, the arts offer an opportunity to connect with people in a way that stump speeches and debates cannot.
Senior Nathan Brand founded the Hillsdale College chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom.
