Allison Stewart

As ten states cast their ballots in Republican presidential primaries today, we take a listen to the music of 2012’s political campaigns. Allison Stewart, who has written about politics and music for outlets like the Washington Post, guides us through the candidates’ song selections – and musical endorsements – of late.

He’s the co-founder of The Police, a tireless advocate for human rights and one of the handsomest men in rock. He also did that lute album. As Sting revisits his hits with a new live album recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, we debate this divisive artist. Guests include Steve Almond, author of "Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life," and Allison Stewart, music writer for The Washington Post’s "Click Track."

Politicians have been using popular music as election anthem songs for decades. A campaign song must be inspiring, memorable, a statement of purpose. But very often, politicians get this way wrong. And more often than that – they don’t ask permission. Washington Post contributor Allison Stewart joins us to talk about campaign theme songs past and present. And: intellectual property lawyer Jonathan D. Reichman joins us to explain the legal issues behind election anthems.