Friday, November 14, 2014

Incumbent Advantage

Here are the lyrics to "Incumbent Advantage," the awesome chart topper that will be stuck in your head forever, just like incumbents are in their elected offices.

Verse 1 - Safe Seats
I’m in D.C., I make the laws.
I’m a Congressman and I got no flaws.
I’m trying hard to keep my job.
I got my seat, it’s really safe.
Ain’t no one else gonna kick me out.
My victory is…predictable.
Whoa.

Chorus:
Our Congressmen…It’s hard to get them out.
They sure have a lot of clout.
They’ll be there forever…forever
They’ll be there forever…forever
Whoa, whoa, incumbent advantage, incumbent advantage (x2)

Verse 2 - Franking Privilege
With tax dollars, I send the mail
Gotta tell all how great I am
I use the franking privilege
Whoa.
Whatever I do
The camera’s come
Journalists love to print my name
My face covers…the TV screen.
Whoa.

Chorus

You hate Congress, but you love me.
There are advantages to incumbency

Chorus

Verse 3 - Experience/Franking Privilege
Been here before
Know where I am
Everyone here knows my name
I’m an old dog with old tricks
Able to go anywhere
People can’t resist my fame
I know for sure I’ll get your vote.
Whoa.

Verse 4 - Influence legislation/Earmarks
Incumbents give us benefits
Like social security and internships.
They care for us to get our votes.
We ask for things like repaired roads.
Our incumbents stumble over themselves.
They use their spending on earmarks.
Whoa.

Verse 5 - Experience, media
I got my seat
It’s really safe
My constituents have got my back
The media is watching me
I’m experienced
In campaigning
And in the office as well.
My victory is…predictable.
Whoa.

Verse 6 - Staffs
I’ve got the seat
I’m riding my fame
No stress or worries can bring me down
My staff insures all my claims

This is all to the tune of "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons.  The music video can be found below: