Obama Uses Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America” to Close Convention Speech

[Teacher Mark 53]

Editor’s note: Updated, Aug. 29, 2 p.m. ET

When Barack Obama finished his acceptance speech Thursday night (Aug. 28) at the Democratic National Convention, a lot of country fans were no doubt surprised — or downright shocked — that Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America” provided the soundtrack to the festivities while the Obama family and vice presidential candidate Joe Biden walked among the spiraling confetti to celebrate. After all, George W. Bush had used that same song as one of his themes for his 2004 presidential campaign. And, as I recall, Bush had also used Brooks & Dunn’s “Hard Workin’ Man” during his initial election bid in 2000. Beyond using “Only in America” throughout his 2004 campaign, Bush was also joined by Brooks & Dunn and the Oak Ridge Boys onstage in Milwaukee on the eve of his re-election.

Ironically, though, a look at BMI’s Web site shows that Kix Brooks and Ronnie Rogers co-wrote the song with Don Cook, a veteran songwriter and producer who has worked extensively with Brooks & Dunn. As it turns out, Cook was active in the Music Row Democrats, a political action group of music industry professionals who opposed Bush’s re-election.

Politics aside, though, why would the Obama camp choose a song that was so closely identified with the person they’re pointing to as the cause of our nation’s woes? “Only in America” is a great song — and a perfect message for the Obama campaign — but aren’t there other songs that would also work to promote the message? Maybe all political candidates would do well to hire a musical director to research and recommend songs that are used during their campaigns.

You can read the lyrics and watch Brooks & Dunn’s video of “Only in America” here at CMT.com.

Update: After this original blog post was published, Kix Brooks said in a written statement, “Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at the Republican Convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. ­Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans.” Additionally, songwriter Don Cook told the The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville, “Bush wasn’t the only one who used it. John Kerry used it, too. He played it at the (Democratic) convention in 2004 also.” Cook added, “There is nothing in it that would suggest any political leanings. I like the fact that it doesn’t. I like the fact that both sides can feel comfortable with that message.”

http://blog.cmt.com/2008-08-29/obama-uses-...vention-speech/

Edited August 29, 2008 by WideAwakeInTheUSA

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Interesting. Somebody here at work told me that Toby Keith is supporting Barack Obama for President. This is certainly going to be an interesting election.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I thought "Yeah right".

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=147958