Presidential Playlists: Pre-Debate Music for Romney and Obama

The final face off -- Romney vs. Obama -- is tonight (Oct. 22), as the two presidential candidates participate in their last televised debate before the Nov. 6 election. The Republican and Democratic nominees may be frantically going over notes, studying statistics or choosing the perfect tie. But we thought they might also need a little musical help to get ready to rumble. The AOL Music staff has made custom playlists for Governor Romney and President Obama to rock out to before taking the stage tonight in Boca Raton, Fla. See which tunes made the cut below and tell us what songs YOU would have picked by tweeting us @aolmusic.

President Obama's Pre-Debate Playlist (As Chosen by the AOL Music Staff)

Neil Young, "Rockin' in the Free World"

No matter which side of the aisle you sit on, this song is guaranteed to get you excited. President Obama should surely appreciate that Young -- a big supporter of the administration -- wrote it as a critique of George Bush Sr. and his perceived failings of the poor. More importantly, the president should get amped up by the indisputable fact that it's one of the greatest rock anthems of all time. -- Dan Reilly, Editor of Spinner

Chumbawumba, "Tub Thumping"

In Chumbawumba's UK homeland, "tubthumper" means politician and this 1997 tune's indelible chorus certainly applies to Obama right about now: "I get knocked, down but I get up again/You're never gonna keep me down." The lyrics about drinking whiskey, lager, vodka and cider -- not to mention the band's anarcho-punk politics regarding income inequality, war, feminism, gay rights and community activism – also mark this as the ultimate anti-Romney tune. One strike against it, admittedly, is that "Tubthumping" was Chumbawumba's only hit -- but on the other hand, it's never gone away. -- Josh Ostroff, Editor of Spinner Canada

Faith Hill, "American Heart"

In her latest single, this country icon sings about a spirit "that you can't keep down" and a heart that "shines when times get hard." Times were hard when the president took office and are admittedly still hard today, but much of his campaign has reflected on the light at the end of the tunnel to which he is confident about eventually leading the country. -- Beville Darden, Editor of The Boot

Mitt Romney's Pre-Debate Playlist (As Chosen by the AOL Music Staff)

Tom Petty, "I Won't Back Down"

Facing what seems to be a series of unfortunate media incidents, from Clint Eastwood's odd 11-minute chair speech to the 47% video debacle, the Romney campaign has managed to maintain a strong front. The Republican party is determined to fight it out to the end, and this song reflects that stance with the country rock twang reminiscent of the red states. -- Caitlin White, AOL Music Editorial Assistant

The Muffs: "Kids in America"

Actress Stacey Dash faced an angry Twitterverse after tweeting her support of Mitt Romney in October. It wouldn't be surprising if Romney rocks out to this song celebrating the youth in America, especially since it's featured in "Clueless," Dash's breakout movie. Do we expect this track to pop up on Obama's iPod as well? As if. -- Maggie Malach, AOL Music Intern

Alice Cooper: "Elected"

A born-again Christian, Cooper supported George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election and is not shy about his Republican views. With lines like, "I'm your Yankee doodle dandy in a gold Rolls Royce, I wanna be elected," this '70s single from the Republican shock-rocker would be a perfect call-to-arms for the famously wealthy presidential hopeful. -- Carlos Ramirez, Editor of Noisecreep