Daniel KohnWhen it comes to presidential endorsements, musicians tend to be pretty predictable. Most all of them seem to go for Democrats, except for Ted Nugent. And then, inevitably, the Republican candidates go ahead and use the left-leaning rockers' music anyway, at which time said rockers throw kanipchen fits.
But sometimes artists' endorsements are totally baffling. Witness Wednesday's news that Kelly Clarkson was throwing her support behind Ron Paul. Here, then, are our top five most beguiling politician/musician pairings. We also threw in an actor, because we couldn't resist.
5. Kelly Clarkson/Ron Paul, 2012
Sure, they both come from Texas, but WTF? “I love Ron Paul,” Clarkson tweeted Wednesday. “I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't.” Sure, it's not exactly a ringing endorsement. But still, it's Ron freaking Paul, the guy who only libertarian tech support guys and dubstep DJs seem to go for.
Chuck and Huck
4. Chuck Norris/Mike Huckabee, 2008
Huck and Chuck — and the former's killer bass lines — took the world by storm four years ago, for about ten minutes anyway. Which is not to say they don't have their fervent devotees; they've even got a Facebook page encouraging them to give it another shot in 2012. (And, considering dud-on-wheels Mitt Romney is leading the field, that might not be a bad idea.) This time around Norris is endorsing Ron Paul, who reportedly also doesn't get sick, but rather allows bacteria and viruses inside to kill them for sport.
3. Elvis Presley/Richard Nixon, 1970
As the rebellious figure of the culture wars during the '50s, it seemed unfathomable to many that the King would support Nixon. Concerned about America's drug problem in the late '60s, Elvis was also displeased by hippie culture. And so, in December of 1970 he met with Nixon at the White House for a chat. The president believed Elvis' support would promote patriotism. And it may have. But Elvis' prescription pill addiction soon took over his life, which was kind of ironic.
2. Johnny Ramone/Ronald Reagan, 1980-1988
The iconic punk guitarist was an outspoken Republican, which led to tensions with Joey, who was more liberal. “I think Ronald Reagan was the best president of my lifetime,” Johnny once said. Things came to a head in 1985 when the band released the UK single “Bonzo Goes To Bitburg” — a diss to Reagan, whose nickname was Bonzo. (You can read more about this on West Coast Sound next week.) These tensions, amongst other things, ultimately led to the Ramones' demise.
1. Wayne Newton/Michele Bachmann, 2012
What?! After an October Republican debate, the Vegas crooner went on Greta Van Susteren's show and threw his support to the Minnesota congresswoman. Literally; in smooth Newton fashion, he kept his arm around Bachmann's shoulder throughout the segment and twice pledged himself to the “beautiful lady for as long as she wants to go.” Viewers found themselves wondering just what exactly he was referring to.
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