Read More... R.E.M. performs on NBC's "Today" in New York's Rockefeller Plaza, Tuesday, April 1, 2008. (Credit: AP/Jason DeCrow) Choosing the playlist for political campaign rallies is a tricky business. First and foremost, candidates need to make sure their musical picks inspire feelings of patriotism, optimism and positivity. They also need to make sure the artist behind the song doesn’t disavow their campaign entirely. During the long history of presidential campaign songs—and particularly since politicians made the switch from songs created specifically for their campaigns to pop-tunes licensed from top-chart artists—candidates have drawn the ire of performers who don’t align ideologically with their campaigns.