From Doris Kearns Goodwin to Sarah Vowell, esteemed presidential scholars recognize that the one true insight to a president's character is through his campaign theme song, and often the wisdom of the choice portends the very nature of the presidency itself. Consider, for example, the cases of Hoover ("If He's Good Enough for Lindy," even though Lindbergh, of course, was infamous for his low standards), Van Buren ("Rockabye, Baby" reflecting his sleepy term from 1837-1841) and even Nixon ("Buckle Down With Nixon," reflecting an administration under siege): would their presidencies have fared better with different messages? While this debate still rages with some, among true experts, there is little doubt that these men were doomed not by character flaw or poor policy, but music and lyrics. Where was Will.I.Am when they needed him?

Among those whose administrations are revered, raw braggadocio is common. FDR's obliquely titled hillbilly stomp "Franklin D. Roosevelt's Back Again" declares, "Since Roosevelt's been reelected/ Shine liquor's been corrected," a campaign boast that no one could lose with — aspiring pols, take note! And who could forget James Monroe's playground boast from 1816 "Monroe Is the Man"? Who says Missouri was a compromise? Oh, snap!

Other presidents gave… read more »