There’s been a lot made over the past year about the influence of celebrities on political campaigns.

From Oprah’s over-the-top support of Barack Obama to Hank Williams Jr. rewriting “Family Tradition” for the GOP ticket, from Chuck Norris supporting John McCain to Matt Damon’s downright brutal remarks about Sarah Palin, celebs have had a lot to say about the presidential race.

Not everyone thinks it’s a good thing; in fact, they say, it’s gotten downright annoying.

One of Barack Obama’s biggest supporters is Red Hot Chili Peppers’ frontman, the very curiously named will.i.am.

SIDEBAR: Am I the only one whom that reminds of the whole symbol thing with Prince? Just wondering. END SIDEBAR

Anyway, will.i.am appeared on CNN’s “Larry King Live” last night to discuss what influenced him to write the “Yes We Can” song that became a web phenomenon.

Listen to him discuss it below.

One final note: I’m not sure whether will.i.am just came from the recording studio or if he was expecting an impromptu recording session to break out on “LKL,“ but as a rule, it’s a lot easier to take someone seriously when he doesn’t treat his headphones as a fashion accessory.