As 2008 kicks off with all its political potential, mudslinging and manipulation have clouded the messages of the presidential candidates. The Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary have left leaders screaming the word “Change!” with “encores from stage right,” but “onstage, they ain’t got no roots.”

This week, Hillary Clinton was accused of down playing Martin Luther King Jr.’s significance by the Barack Obama campaign. However, the “white youth, black youth / better find another solution.” Voters can’t afford to forget about Mitt Romney’s home state of Michigan. Its unemployed can’t “phone up Robin Hood and ask him for some wealth distribution.”

Independent voters have surprised the nation by “changing their votes along with their overcoats,” splitting support for multiple candidates. The results of those primary elections have led to much media speculation, but reporters leave out “what there is to be learned.” Only Jon Stewart may “think it’s funny,” as politicians are “turning rebellion into money.”

The Clash has not yet been correct in saying that if fascism “flew in today, they’d send a limousine anyway.” No, early predictions for November are forecasts of democracy playing out as it usually does. One president will leave, and another will move into the White “Palais” repeating “I’m only looking for fun / Oh please mister, just leave me alone.”