According to music historian Lester Feder, American country music has not always been associated with conservative values or politics. In this 2007 episode of NPR's All Things Considered, host Debbie Elliot, a national correspondent who often covers the American South, speaks with Feder about when and how country music got political and became the unofficial soundtrack for conservative ideals and cultural pride. The conversation centers on a little-known compilation album called Thank You, Mr. President, which was created exclusively for then-President Richard Nixon by the Country Music Association in 1972. Listeners will learn how Alabama segregationist George Wallace's gubernatorial campaign, Merle Haggard's parody song "Okie from Muskogee," and the Dixie Chicks critique of the war in Iraq shaped the political significance of country music. The page linked above includes a written transcript of the episode, audio streaming and download options, and links to related stories from NPR.