Candidates have trouble finding music to use at campaign events

Mitt Romney was using the song “Wavin’ Flag” by K’Naan at his campaign rallies — until the Somali-born rapper asked him to stop.

Newt Gingrich was using a blast from the past — “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. But Frankie Sullivan, a former band member, told the New York Times that a song can lose value if it becomes entwined in the public’s mind with a politician. He sued, and Gingrich stopped.

Politicians seem to be having a lot of trouble finding music they actually can play at their events. So what is being heard? Mitt Romney is playing Kid Rock’s “Born Free” at rallies — without any problems so far.

And the Las Vegas Sun reported that another popular song with Republicans is Toby Keith’s “American Ride,” but as the Sun points out, Keith is a long-time Democrat.

And the song played at rallies isn’t exactly the song Keith fans may recognize. The song conjures up quintessential images of flag and country, the lyrics also mention global warming, and foreclosures.

But the Gingrich campaign cut those out.

And then there’s Ron Paul. Paul has used the Darth Vader theme from Star Wars at his events.

Rick Santorum on Tuesday night broke the mold, after winning all three primary and caucus elections up for grabs that day. He was brought on stage with triumphant orchestral music.