Earlier today, we explored the possibility that Tom Cotton may eventually try to out-Cruz Ted Cruz. 

Jonathan Chait has a funny post up just now on the hilarious, transparent efforts of Cruz to give the proper right-wing answer to the question “what kind of music do you like?”

Advertisement

Ted Cruz divulged that he used to love classic rock, but switched over to country because of 9/11. “My music taste changed on 9/11,” the presidential candidate said. “I actually intellectually find this very curious, but on 9/11, I didn’t like how rock music responded,” he said. “And country music, collectively, the way they responded, it resonated with me.”

Chait has some fun noting that classic rock couldn’t respond to 9/11 since it was written decades beforehand and more broadly how silly (I would add, sad) it is to tie partisan identification with markers of cultural authenticity. His whole riff is worth a read

“My music taste changed on 9/11” is an almost perfectly stupid statement, managing to belittle both music and 9/11. But back to Cotton. While the striver Cruz unconvincingly tries to peddle a newfound love for honky tonks, Cotton already had his bases covered. You may remember that the Times asked various politicians for their favorite songs a couple years ago. Cotton’s answer: “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Sorry Cruz, that’s Tea Partier than Toby Keith, and then some. 

Advertisement

One more thing: if partisan politics led you to stop appreciating the outstanding music of the Dixie Chicks, YOUR PRIORITIES ARE WRONG AND YOU ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH ENJOYMENT OUT OF LIFE. 

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article Huck hypocrisy Next article The nice try open line