This probably isn’t the buzz Nikki Haley wanted to generate.
On Wednesday, the former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador took to the stage in Charleston to spoil the not-so-well-kept secret that she’s running for President in 2024.
But what’s got everyone talking is the song she was playing to kick off the event — that 80’s soft rock staple “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. It’s no mystery why Haley chose the song. She’s a graduate of Clemson University (Go Tigers!).
Just one problem. The tune, which is best known as the theme for Rocky III, has gotten more than one Republican politician into a bit of hot water.
Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee settled a lawsuit with Survivor guitarist Frankie Sullivan in 2016 at a cost of $25,000.
“I do not like mixing rock and roll with politics; they do not go hand in hand,” Sullivan told Rolling Stone magazine at the time. “What upset me most [about Huckabee’s use] was that, once again, my song was being used to further a political agenda — and no one even bothered to ask for permission.”
Also, in 2012, both Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney aroused the band’s anger when they both chose the song for their events. Romney agreed to stop using the song at his rallies, while Gingrich was sued and later settled out of court.
Haley’s campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request about whether they were given permission to use the song.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandonkochkodin/2023/02/15/nikki-haley-plays-eye-of-the-tiger-to-kick-off-her-presidential-campaign-that-could-be-a-problem/