The Dumbing Down Of Politics

IBD ^ | October 2, 2007

[Kaslin]

Media: You'd think that with the election cycle expanded from one year to two, we'd learn more about the candidates. Instead, we seem to be learning less — unless you're edified by what they share with supermodels on TV talk shows.

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That Fred Thompson thought it cute to announce his candidacy for president on the Jay Leno show, copying Arnold Schwarzenegger's opening shtick in his run for California governor four years ago, came as no surprise. Thompson, after all, already was a TV star.

Goodness knows, Thompson and Schwarzenegger were hardly the first to "embrace the chat," as a Los Angeles Times headline put it the other day.

ating back to a joint appearance by John Kennedy and Richard Nixon on the Jack Paar show in 1960, and continuing through Bill Clinton's fielding of "boxers or briefs?" queries on MTV in 1991, candidates obviously decided long ago that appearing on entertainment talk shows and other non-news programs was not beneath their dignity.

But now, the Times says, such shows have become "essential stops" on the campaign trail. And it's not just the Lenos and Lettermans , or even the Oprahs, we're talking about.

The Times noted that Barack Obama, during a tight schedule that had him shuttling between New York and Washington last Thursday, "managed to squeeze in time to visit an influential national television program: 'The Tyra Banks Show.' "

[YoungHickey]

Well unfortunately dumb people have the right to vote also.

[kevkrom]

So much of modern politics is name recognition, candidates pretty much have to go wherever they can get exposure, especially if it’s free.

[Slapshot68]

“The Times noted that Barack Obama, during a tight schedule that had him shuttling between New York and Washington last Thursday, “managed to squeeze in time to visit an influential national television program: ‘The Tyra Banks Show.’ “”

Instead of an election, maybe we should do “Survivor: Oval Office.”

[wbill]

Obama on "Tyra Banks". Shows the voters he's looking for. Also shows that he's preaching to the choir.

If he really wants to reach out, he'd be better served by going on "Mail Call". Of course, R. Lee would likely make him to pushups.

"YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?! Well first, you NEED TO PROVE IT TO ME!"

[Clock King]

Well unfortunately dumb people have the right to vote also.

That's the real problem. We need to fix that after the next revolution. People should earn the right to vote.

[Clock King]

There was a sci-fi book with such a premise but I can’t remember or find it right now. The president (of the world?) was selected by years-long contest of mental and physical ability. Only a handful make into the final round, which tests all of your human capabilities. The winner would lead for the next 6 years or whatever.