In 1844 the Whigs nominated Henry Clay. The Democrats after a bitter convention nominated the dark horse James Polk. The Whigs had a new symbol, the coon, and had the best songs, they had their own song books including the "National Clay Minstrel and Frelinghuysen Melodist" and the "Whig Banner Melodist" An observer at the Whig convention reported bands of musicians dressed in deer skins and coon skin hats and assemblies of people on street corners engaged in the patriotic duty of singing "coon songs" from the songsters. The observer wryly noted that "The Whigs now say that the people have decided that Clay shall be the President....and it is only necessary that they should sing him into the Presidency". Among their best songs was "Harry Clay and Frelinghuysen" to the tune of "Old Dan Tucker". They had some other good jibes at the Democrats including "A Pig-In-A-Polk" and "The Loco Polk-o Convention". The Democrats songs were not as good but they won the election. This "Democratic Ode" was printed in the Richmond Enquirer, July 26, 1844.DEMOCRATIC ODE (tune: Rosin the Bow)
November election is coming, To arms all true Democrats rise;
Fear not the loud braying and drumming, In which all Whig argument lies.All over the country, the rally, Of Democrats gladdens the land;
They gather from mountain and valley - Whole armies are on every hand.Our Polk is the Joshua blowing, the blast that to victory calls;
Around the last time he is going, And tumbling are Whiggery's walls.The sun in his course need not tarry, For Polk to encompass his foe;
One moment to charge - and Old Harry Is sent to the regions below.The Whigs obtained power and station, By thousands of promises made;
Deceived and defrauded the nation, And its best interests betrayed.To millions they promised in '40, Roast beef and two dollars per day;
And many a working man thought he Might trust in the promise of Clay.But when the election was over, Hear how the duped voter laments;
The lead nags were rolling in clover - The others outside of the fence.rich r