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President Obama's Pre-Debate Playlist (As Chosen by the AOL Music Staff)
Four Tops: "Baby I Need Your Lovin'"
As Obama tries to woo the country to reelect him for another term, it becomes increasingly clear that the President needs to unite the voting public. This song's charm and classic Motown sound matches Barack's easy-going personality and the emphasis in the lyrics on "Got to have all your lovin" is the perfect metaphor for the fact that every vote really does count! -- Caitlin White, AOL Music Editorial Assistant
Queen: "Another One Bites the Dust"
Obama successfully won the presidency when he campaigned against Republican John McCain in 2008. While he accepted his victory gracefully, we can't help but wonder if he's already prepping for another win, this time against Romney. We can just hear him now: "Are you ready? Are you ready for this?" -- Maggie Malach, AOL Music Intern
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No matter which side of the aisle you sit on, this song is guaranteed to get you excited. President Obama should surely appreciate that Young -- a big supporter of the administration -- wrote it as a critique of George Bush Sr. and his perceived failings of the poor. More importantly, Barack should get amped up by the indisputable fact that it's one of the greatest rock anthems of all time. -- Dan Reilly, Editor of Spinner
Chumbawumba: "Tub Thumping"
In Chumbawumba's UK homeland, "tubthumper" means politician and this 1997 tune's indelible chorus certainly applies to Obama right about now: "I get knocked, down but I get up again/You're never gonna keep me down." The lyrics about drinking whiskey, lager, vodka and cider -- not to mention the band's anarcho-punk politics regarding income inequality, war, feminism, gay rights and community activism – also mark this as the ultimate anti-Romney tune. One strike against it, admittedly, is that "Tubthumping" was Chumbawumba's only hit -- but on the other hand, it's never gone away. -- Josh Ostroff, Editor of Spinner Canada
Bon Jovi: "Keep the Faith"
With all of the criticism that's been hurled his way in the last year, this 1992 gem from the arena rock heroes would serve great as an anthem for the Obama campaign. -- Carlos Ramirez, Editor of Noisecreep
Faith Hill" "American Heart"
In her latest single, this country icon sings about a spirit "that you can't keep down" and a heart that "shines when times get hard." Times were hard when the president took office and are admittedly still hard today, but much of his campaign has reflected on the light at the end of the tunnel to which he is confident about leading the country. -- Beville Darden, Editor of The Boot
Jay-Z: "Encore"
As President Obama and celebrity supporter Jay-Z continue to sing each other's praises, it's only appropriate that the president have a Jay-Z classic on his debate pump-up playlist. "Encore," off Hova's The Black Album, seems like the natural choice for the man who's ready to give his encore performance as a second-term president. -- Contessa Gayles, AOL Music Associate Editor
Mitt Romney's Pre-Debate Playlist (As Chosen by the AOL Music Staff)
Public Enemy: "Harder Than You Think"
The message is one Mitt would probably embrace. And how cool is it to imagine Romney getting amped backstage listening to Chuck D and the crew? -- Gino DePinto, AOL Music photographer
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If you've ever seen the Disney classic "Fantasia," you can understand why we've chosen this Bach piece to help Governor Romney get pumped before the final debate. Like Mickey Mouse's character in the film, conducting water to the tune of "Toccata and Fugue," Romney is about to orchestrate his most important statements to date, like a wizard of words. But, of course, it's up to you to tell if they're true or not. -- Cameron Matthews, AOL Music Associate Editor
Tom Petty: "I Won't Back Down"
Facing what seems to be a series of unfortunate media incidents, from Clint Eastwood's odd 11-minute chair speech to the 47% video debacle, the Romney campaign has managed to maintain a strong front. The Republican Party is determined to fight it out to the end, and this song reflects that stance with the country rock twang reminiscent of the South's notoriously red states. -- Caitlin White, AOL Music Editorial Assistant
The Muffs: "Kids in America"
Actress Stacey Dash faced an angry Twitterverse after tweeting her support of Mitt Romney in October. It wouldn't be surprising if Romney rocks out to this song celebrating the youth in America, especially since it's featured in "Clueless," Dash's breakout movie. Do we expect this track to pop up on Obama's iPod as well? As if. -- Maggie Malach, AOL Music Intern
Michael McDonald: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
This Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1967 classic is a love song, but its "you can always count on me" sentiment is perfect for a politician. Michael McDonald's cover is vanilla enough for Romney's famously square tastes, and seriously, is there any genre more fitting for Mitt than adult-contemporary yacht rock? -- Dan Reilly, Editor of Spinner
A born-again Christian, Cooper supported George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election and is not shy about his Republican views. With lines like, "I'm your yankee doodle dandy in a gold Rolls Royce, I wanna be elected," this '70s single from the Republican shock-rocker would be a perfect call-to-arms for the famously wealthy Presidential hopeful. -- Carlos Ramirez, Editor of Noisecreep
Hank Williams, Jr.: "Take Back Our Country"
"Take Back Our Country" is practically Hank Jr.'s campaign gift to Mr. Romney. "Hey Barack, pack your bags, head to Chicago. Take your teleprompter with you so you'll know where to go," the country legend/outspoken Republican sings in the last verse. -- Beville Darden, Editor of The Boot
