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'Idol' Speculation - Chris Daughtry's Loss Holds a Lesson in American Politics
The New York Post ^ | May 12, 2006 | John Podhoretz

Posted on 05/12/2006 3:24:52 AM PDT by jocon307

As a seasoned political observer with more than two decades of experience analyzing voting patterns and the like, I would now like to explain to you one of the greatest mysteries in the history of balloting - a mystery so profound that people have sobbed and scratched their heads, gasped and cried out in anger, and insisted they would never again participate in the voting process.

Am I talking about the Florida election in 2000? The 1984 controversy over the victor in the race for Indiana's Eighth Congressional District? The race for president in 1876?

No, I'm talking about the elimination on Wednesday night of rocker Chris Daughtry from the list of contenders for the title of "American Idol."...

How could this happen?...

If you want to understand "Idol," you need to understand American politics. And if you want to understand the workings of American politics, "Idol" isn't a bad introduction to the way political coalitions are formed and elections are won....

(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: americanidol; podhoretz; television; votingtrends
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I think this analysis makes a lot of sense, but I'm still sorry Chris lost. Now I really don't know who I want to win. I think hubby is going over to McPhee's camp, he really thinks she's very pretty.

I'm afraid a rather pain in the neck registration may be required to read the entire article, for that I apologize.

1 posted on 05/12/2006 3:24:53 AM PDT by jocon307
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To: silent_jonny

Here's one for the ping list, should you deem it worthy.


2 posted on 05/12/2006 3:26:27 AM PDT by jocon307 (The Silent Majority - silent no longer)
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To: jocon307
he really thinks she's very pretty.

She's every 'Muffy' from every senior class that ever graduated. Pretty until she opens that mouth to talk. Then it's Blehville. My blender has more personality.

3 posted on 05/12/2006 3:26:53 AM PDT by Glenn (There is a looming Tupperware shortage. Plan appropriately.)
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To: jocon307

ehh, more complaining.... if the people wanted him they would have voted for him its pretty simple. They wanted the fat, dumb chick that can't sing instead.


4 posted on 05/12/2006 3:29:52 AM PDT by Echo Talon
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To: jocon307

What is American Idol and why do people find it entertaining?

I do know what it is but I am puzzled why people watch it. Of course I'm puzzled why people watch most TV shows.


5 posted on 05/12/2006 3:29:52 AM PDT by listenhillary (The original Contract with America - The U.S. Constitution)
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To: jocon307

For the first time since I started watching Idol (which was from the very first episode of the very first season), I've had a tough time deciding who I want to win.

I'm not one much for heavy metal, and as much as I liked Chris the person, he just sounded the same to me week after week. Out of the three left, my favorites are Taylor and Elliott. I think I'm voting for Elliott, but I won't have a problem if Taylor wins. I'd buy both of their albums.


6 posted on 05/12/2006 3:30:32 AM PDT by BlessedBeGod (Benedict XVI = Terminator IV)
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To: jocon307

Must be a REALLY slow news day if Podheretz has to use American Idol to make a point about politics.


7 posted on 05/12/2006 3:31:30 AM PDT by DustyMoment (FloriDUH - proud inventors of pregnant/hanging chads and judicide!!)
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To: listenhillary
"What is American Idol and why do people find it entertaining? I do know what it is but I am puzzled why people watch it. Of course I'm puzzled why people watch most TV shows."

You are not the only one puzzled. I have never watched it. I never watched Survivor.

I used to listen a lot to the Glenn Beck show but can't stand much of it any more. If he isn't talking about himself, he's talking about some useless celebrity crap like American Idol.

8 posted on 05/12/2006 3:38:35 AM PDT by Past Your Eyes (Every time you think, you weaken the nation.)
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To: Past Your Eyes

Or 24.


9 posted on 05/12/2006 3:39:02 AM PDT by Past Your Eyes (Every time you think, you weaken the nation.)
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To: Echo Talon

"They wanted the fat, dumb chick that can't sing instead."

Ohmigoodness, you must think Ann Coulter is a picture of ruddy health! Katherine McPhee is NOT fat!

She doesn't really do much for me, Paris was my fave and anyone who wins will be second choice for me, but I do think she's got a big advantage as the only gal left to make it to the final.

(I don't know how to post pictures, so maybe someone else can post the required photos! - The curious can find a picture of McPhee on the American Idol live thread)


10 posted on 05/12/2006 3:40:28 AM PDT by jocon307 (The Silent Majority - silent no longer)
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To: Past Your Eyes

I admit I have never watched an episode, but (based on my impression it) it seems to be more wholesome than some of the other crap they put out these days.


11 posted on 05/12/2006 3:41:30 AM PDT by RangerM
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To: jocon307
Murdoch owns the Post. Does he also have a financial interest in Chennel 5?

That anyone would consider this show to be worthy of NEWS analysis is beyond ludicrous.

12 posted on 05/12/2006 3:41:48 AM PDT by OldFriend (I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.....and My Heart to the Soldier Who Protects It.)
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To: Past Your Eyes; listenhillary

Maybe, just maybe, these shows are like car accidents? Lots of people slow down (or in this case sit down) and rubberneck?

Personally, I can't be bothered to watch them when there is so much more to do and experience while not sitting in front of the "boob tube".

;D


13 posted on 05/12/2006 3:45:31 AM PDT by schwing_wifey (Lily was mistaken.. The Borg are Swedish...Resistance is Futile.... PST +9hours)
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To: jocon307

I want Elliott to lose. He just looks too much like Curious George.


14 posted on 05/12/2006 3:48:11 AM PDT by mrs. a (It's a short life but a merry one...)
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To: All

Ive got a margarita blender that sounds better than eliott... and for heavens sake get some caps for those teeth!

Taylor is the idol but he shouldnt win. There are a dozen people who sound like chris already on the market, he sounds like a fair imitation of Anthony Kiedis from red hot chili peppers.

But taylor has musical turrets syndrome!!
He's exciting on the stage and creative with his vocals.

McFee is ehhh... okay. She's got nice assets :-) Id vote for those :-D
Her voice is okay and she'll benefit the most from the recording contract bound to the american idol franchise. Taylor and Chris can float on their own, McFee is going to need waterwings! Elliot is headed for las vegas, maybe a karaoke bar.

I could be mistaken! :) it's just a game


15 posted on 05/12/2006 3:52:43 AM PDT by Samurai_Jack (ride out and confront the evil!)
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To: DustyMoment
As I remember it, in 1987 Podhoretz wrote an article in National Review that claimed to see signs of a conservative cultural revival in Boy George's music. It's been hard for me to take him seriously ever since.
16 posted on 05/12/2006 3:55:01 AM PDT by ekwd (Murphy's Law Has Not Been Repealed)
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To: listenhillary

I've never had the desire to watch 15 seconds of Survivor, Amercan Idol, or Desperate Housewives. Can't say I have any feelings of deep loss.


17 posted on 05/12/2006 4:01:05 AM PDT by SampleMan
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To: jocon307
I think Mr. Podhoretz might be trying a little too hard. If you look hard enough for something, you're bound to find it.
18 posted on 05/12/2006 4:03:47 AM PDT by TheWasteLand
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To: jocon307

Chris got tossed because there is only one female left. And Idol, like politics, is all about constituencies. What is so confusing about that?


19 posted on 05/12/2006 4:08:22 AM PDT by montag813
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To: jocon307

Chris will have a multi-plantium record before any of the remaining contestants, if any of them even reach that level.


20 posted on 05/12/2006 4:08:29 AM PDT by Always Right
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