On November 8, 2016, U.S. readers will cast their ballots for President of the United States, among other things. In fact, some voters already have.

My first presidential election as a voter was 1988, but I remember as far back as ’72. That’s 12 election cycles that I’ve been old enough to recall, and all 12 have been polarized. I suspect they always have been and always will be.

But this one, whoo! To paraphrase one of the candidates, so nasty. Sad. I have a feeling that the malicious power of the internet has transformed American politics for the worst, and things likely won’t get any better for decades to come. In the short term, the winning candidate faces four years of obstruction, inquiries, and calls for impeachment.

In the long term; well, I don’t know. I guess it’s possible that this election cycle has been such a disaster that the major parties and their jersey-wearing supporters will commit themselves to a future of civil, fact-based discourse, but I don’t that’s very likely.  The safe money might be on Brawndo futures. We’re headed for Idiocracy, folks. 

Anyway, election songs:

“Candidate,” David Bowie

“When I’m President,” Ian Hunter and the Rant Band.

“Vote For Miles,” Miles Davis.

“Election Day,” Arcadia.

“Ballot or the Bullet,” Van Halen.

“Elected,” Alice Cooper.

“Eric B. Is President,” Eric B. and Rakim.

“Little Miss Emperor,” Iggy Pop.

There you have it: Eight songs to put this hideous election year behind us. What did I miss? I’m listening.