The Blog

President Manilow

1:29 PM, Oct 31, 2007 • By MATTHEW CONTINETTI
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Do you find American presidential politics sometimes boring? (You're not alone!) Just look at Indonesia, where the politicians sing:

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has released his first music album, a collection of love ballads and religious songs he wrote, state media said. The album, entitled 'My Longing for You,' contains 10 songs written by Yudhoyono after he became president in 2004 and features some of the country's popular singers, Antara news agency said. ...

Yudhoyono is not the only Indonesian general with musical talent.

A former armed forces chief, Wiranto, who is expected to run for president in the 2009 elections, has released a collection of love ballads he sings himself.

Think of Yudhoyono's LP as the Indonesian Supernatural.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim democracy, holds its presidential election in 2009. But I wouldn't expect the singing president trend to cross the Pacific anytime soon - unless, of course, one of these guys runs for president in 2012.

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