John Edwards

Who?: Former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC)

Musician supporters: Maybe more than other candidate, Edwards is popular with musicians. Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp and Kevin Bacon (The Bacon Brothers band) have all toured extensively to support Edwards. John also carries endorsements from Harry Belafonte and DefJam honcho Russell Simmons. In Iowa and North Carolina, appearances were preceded by Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley.

What I assume is on his personal music player: Edwards seems hipper than most. I am not sure what he listens to, but I imagine his daughter Cate slips him some good suggestions as well (the Edwards website states the Allmans, Dylan, and Howie Day are on her MP3 player).

On the Record: John has probably the coolest campaign music of any of the campaigns. Examples: The late, great California band Granddaddy cover of "Revolution" by the Beatles. "Salt of the Earth" by the Rolling Stones (off Beggar's Banquet), Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising". Tom Petty's "I won't back down". Stevie Ray Vaughn "The House is Rockin'"

We're also told the mix-tape contains Kanye West, but we're not told what song.

Speaking of mix-tapes, we are told that contributors of %$50 or more to Edwards campaign gets this killer compilation of Edwards favorites. Merle Haggard, Gillian Welch, the Fairfield 4, Del McCoury, Emmylou Harris- I am not sure that offer still stands, but that sounds like an excellent disc.

Will John answer my question "What music are you currently listening to?": With all but a handful of the major candidates left, this excercise has generally been a bust. If you send an e-mail to a Presidential candidate asking about their favorite music, you generally get no response in return.

This begs the issue: What are the candidates going to do when they face the tough questions?

So, I wasn't expecting a response, but guess what? The Edwards camp came through, answering my question within about a 24-hour turn-around.

Here is a paraphrase of that answer:

John is a huge Springsteen fan, and listens to a lot of Bruce. He is also a huge U2 fan. He is also a fan and friend of John Mellencamp and will be appearing with him in Des Moines.

Very cool to hear from the Edwards campaign. Great to get an answer, and also discover John has good taste. We are doing this as impartial as we can, but given the friendliness of the Edwards camp, and the quick response, we give Edwards our highest endorsement.