Next fall, Americans will head to the polls to vote for President. And while most voters will be making their choice based on political issues, many factors come into play when selecting a Commander-in-chief. Who would you rather share a beer with, George W. Bush or John Kerry? In 2004, a majority chose Bush. Who do you want answering the phone at 3 a.m.? In 2008, Hillary Clinton felt that was a valid question to ask. 

The 2012 election is certain to be a wild one, and most everything will be on the table for discussion. So we have to ask, would a candidate's music playlist sway your vote? We may or may not have raided some of the candidates' iPods to find out what they listening to and--well--it may not be what you expected...

RICK PERRY

The Obvious: As a Texan, he's got an ear for homeboys Willie Nelson and Pat Green.
His Pump-Up Jam: "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley. (It's a "Rick" thing, apparently.)
You Might be Surprised to Find: "Fed Up" by DJ Khaled. Inspiration for his book of the same title? Perhaps.



RON PAUL

The Obvious: He actually has a Microsoft Zune instead of an iPod--not because he's out of touch but rather because he's just rogue like that. 
His Pump-Up Jam: "Revolution" by The Beatles.
You Might be Surprised to Find: "Forever Young" by Alphaville. Because, honestly, Ron Paul will probably outlive the rest of us.



HERMAN CAIN

The Obvious: "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue" by Toby Keith--except it's labeled, "I'm on One" by DJ Khaled.
His Pump-Up Jam: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor.
You Might be Surprised to Find: The Godfather soundtrack. Wait, why would you be surprised? He was the CEO of Godfather's Pizza! Dude doesn't mess around.



MITT ROMNEY

The Obvious: "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield--except it's labeled, "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue" by Toby Keith.
His Pump-Up Jam: "We Already Won" by Flo Rida...and the Glee version of "Don't Stop Believin'" filed under a playlist called Youth Vote.
You Might be Surprised to Find: "Calling Dr. Love" by Kiss. You'd think he would be avoiding lyrics like, "doctor," "fever," "healthcare," etc.



MICHELE BACHMANN

The Obvious: Every single Amy Grant album ever recorded, including unreleased tracks no one has ever heard.
Her Pump-Up Jam: "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus and "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus.
You Might be Surprised to Find: "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton. Yes, that song.




BARACK OBAMA

The Obvious: "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen.
His Pump-Up Jam: The "Yes We Can" song by will.i.am. You know this tune is on repeat right about now in the White House. 
You Might be Surprised to Find: "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO. Not even the President of the United States was immune to this song. Those Secret Service earpieces? Party. Rockin'.



Have your own take on the candidates' music choices? Please share!


Note: Above statements are neither presented as fact nor as for/against any one candidate.