George W. Bush used " I Wo n't Back Down " at campaign events during the 2000 presidential campaign but was compelled to stop using the song after receiving a cease and desist letter from Petty 's publisher . Petty then went on to perform the song at Al Gore 's home after Gore conceded the election to President Bush . Jim Webb used the song for his successful bid for one of Virginia 's U.S. Senate seats in 2006 , as did Hillary Clinton during the 2008 Democratic presidential primary campaign . The song was also used at campaign events for Congressman Ron Paul of Texas during the 2008 Republican presidential primary campaign , as well as for events for his Campaign for Liberty . The song was also played at an event for Republican Connecticut gubernatorial nominee , Tom Foley . The song was also played at the 2012 Democratic National Convention after speech delivered by President Bill Clinton , in which President Barack Obama came out on stage to salute him
2012 Democratic National Convention
2012 Democratic National Convention
I Won't Back Down