I Will Stand My Ground

When I Won't Back Down was used at events for George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign, Tom Petty's publisher requested that the song no longer be used as it, intentionally or unintentionally, created the impression that Petty was endorsing Bush, which was not the case.

The campaign's general counsel, Michael Toner, agreed to comply though denying any connotation of endorsement.

Additionally, Sting and John [Cougar] Mellencamp were also troubled by their respective Brand New Day and R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. being used without permission.

In the end, the campaign worked out agreements with BMI and ASCAP to pay for use of songs on the road.

In a semi-ironic twist, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers did perform I Won't Back Down at the "America: Tribute To Heroes" telethon for the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The song's message of perseverence through tribulation is an easy match to the promotion of the "War On Terrorism."

Ronald Reagan praisied Bruce Springsteen's Born In The U.S.A in his 1984 bid for re-election.

Jimmy Carter delivered his 1976 acceptance speech at the Democratic Convention borrowing a line from Bob Dylan's It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding).