Small Town News

Changing up politics with the help of television

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While flipping through channels like nobody's business this week, I had an epiphany. An idea came to me that I still can't help but wonder why it hasn't been tried in the past (it's truly remarkable). In the right hands, it could change our political system as we know it today.

Before unveiling my plan, I must confess that when this revelation came before me I had just finished watching two of my favorite types of television shows. The first program was "America's Got Talent," which for some reason keeps me glued to the screen. I have always been into reality television (probably because I like to watch train wrecks), and it's not something I'm proud of.

After watching an elderly lady perform a song while hand whistling and then an obese gentleman eat fire, I decided to turn the channel to one of those political "news" channels. While I won't reveal you which one it was, let me assure you that is "fair and balanced." Again I have no idea what draws me to this style of television, but watching a middle-aged host criticizing his guests and calling them socialists is nothing less than humorous.

So now that I set the mood, here's what I came up with after watching two quality television programs: Why not combine the two to make the nation's first political reality show? My first project entitled, "Pick Your Politicians," will blend qualities from "The Real World," and "American Idol," to form a global phenomenon.

Each state would have its own show so it could pick its candidates for the U.S. Senate race. Featuring 10 candidates (five Democrats and five Republicans), the program forces the reality stars to live with each other for 80 days while viewers sit back and watch the fireworks begin. One politician is kicked off the show, based on viewer votes every 10 days, to leave two standing for the final show.

The candidates won't only sit around, but instead face weekly challenges that test their political muscle. Challenges include making campaign ads, participating in a televised debate, being interviewed by the "mainstream liberal media" and being faced with a bribery dilemma.

With viewers voting by phone and on the Internet, the process will be heavily monitored to ensure everyone's vote counts. At the end of the day, two contestants from each state will be chosen to form the United States Senate.

So what made me come up with this amazingly bizarre idea? The fact that politics needs to be shaken up a little bit. Why not combine politics with fads in our society? While there probably won't be a reality television show to vote for our politicians, I wouldn't be surprised if voters will be able to vote online or by text message some time in the future. It may be sooner than later.



Copyright 2010 Sidney Herald, Sidney, Montana. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Sidney Herald Sidney, Montana. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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