Idol watch: Maybe this is the way to keep Americans interested in elections

It was good news today that a North Carolina boy managed to bring home the title of "American Idol." Nothing like a little hometown pride to make people sit up and take notice.

But the phenomenon that is Scotty McCreery is not just interesting because of his singing talent. What is unbelievable is that millions of people took time out of their day to dial a phone and cast a vote.

His circumstance is the same as any "Idol" hopeful -- that is how they advance and ultimately win.

Perhaps there is some kind of nugget of possibility here that can be translated into the upcoming presidential elections.

Perhaps we could generate more excitement -- and a couple more exciting candidates -- if President Barack Obama and the GOP challenger stood on a stage with Ryan Seacrest. Any kind of drama we could add to the race for the Republican challenger spot couldn't hurt either. So far, it has been kind of a snooze -- except for Newt Gingrich's "Tiffany-gate."

It is a sad state of affairs when a TV singing competition seems to generate more interest than a campaign to determine who will lead this country.

But perhaps if we learn a few lessons from "Idol" November could be the new "sweeps" month.

Published in Editorials on May 26, 2011 10:50 AM