In the Loop

Music plays an important part in American political races. Candidates want to be associated with familiar, positive, uplifting songs. The practice of pairing politicians and music has been around almost as long as the country.  But how did it all begin? How has it evolved? And who’s behind some of the odd musical choices linked to those seeking office, including Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump?  We find out from Eric Kasper, co-author of the book Don't Stop Thinking About the Music: The Politics of Songs and Musicians in Presidential Campaigns.

So, how much credibility does his ability to speak Spanish lend to the Clinton-Kaine ticket, especially when it comes to different groups of Hispanic voters?

The Democratic National Convention definitely has a different vibe than last week’s Republican National Convention. It’s a “Who’s Who” of politicians, but most of the state’s elected officials and big names didn’t even make the trip to Cleveland. On Monday, we hosted a live-and lively-discussion about the conventions and the campaigns so far. Hip hop artist and activist Che “Rhymefest” Smith and Former Illinois Republican Chairman Pat Brady kicked off the night dissecting the flaws in both the parties-especially their own.

Not all Democrats may be dancing to Hillary Clinton’s tune this week in Philadelphia. But over here at WBEZ, we’re groovin’ to the City of Brotherly Love’s legendary brand of soul music. Reclaimed Soul’s Ayana Contreras just returned from a trip to the east coast with an armful of fresh Philly Soul, and she breaks it out on the Morning Shift.

Michael Jordan took an unusual step this week when he said he was “deeply troubled” by the recent deaths of black men at the hands of police. In the past, the Chicago Bulls legend has shied away from activism and political statements. But black athletes have a rich history of standing against racism and discrimination dating back decades and the tradition continues to the present day.

Politicians tend to use some pretty fiery language. The aim is to inspire, to convince you to get up and vote for their platform. However, most everything a politician says is measured, a carefully picked set of words handpicked by a group of experts behind the scenes. Hillary Clinton fits into that model, while Donald Trump seems to be tossing traditional political rhetoric out the window.  Morning Shift talks to Ben Zimmer, language columnist for the Wall Street Journal, about some of the keywords we are seeing pop up in this election cycle.

The Democratic National Convention this week has a larger Illinois presence than the Republican National Convention did last week. As WBEZ’s Tony Arnold and Lauren Chooljian reported from Cleveland, many elected officials and Republican power players skipped the RNC to show their displeasure with Donald Trump. The DNC has had a much bigger turnout. Everyone from Illinois House leader Michael Madigan to Alderman Ed Burke. Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle had a pretty prime seat on the first night, sitting next to former President Bill Clinton. We check in with Lauren Chooljian to learn more about other key differences she’s seeing between Philadelphia and Cleveland.

Morning Shift talks with Mike Sula of the Chicago Reader to get a sense of whose voice we should listen to as well as Bo Peabody, founder of a new restaurant review app called Renzell. He has a lofty goal: To change the way restaurants are reviewed online.

Hillary Clinton is referred to as Mrs. Clinton, Madame Secretary, Former Secretary of State, Senator, Former Senator, and Former First Lady. Which is correct? Which is the most accurate? And if she wins the presidency, how should the American people refer to her and Bill?  We get answers from a man who literally wrote the book on the subject. Robert Hickey is the Deputy Director of the Protocol School of Washington and author of Honor & Respect: The official Guide to Names, Titles, & Forms of Address.

The news highlighted the divisions in the party between Sanders and Clinton supporters and showed, yet again, how email does not seem to be on the side of the Democratic party in this election cycle. So, what does being a ‘Democrat’ mean at this complicated time for the party? Morning Shift talks to Georgetown history professor Michael Kazin about the emergence of the American left, its influence on the Democratic party, and where the Democratic party stands at this moment in history.