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There are a lot of reality shows on television and one of the most popular is American Idol. I don’t watch it but I do know what it’s about and how it works.

Basically, auditions are held around the country in a dozen or so cities and contestants show up to see if they can make it onto the show. Throughout the auditions, cameras are rolling and the first few weeks of the show let you see how auditions went. Some contestants are talented and others, not so much. Even a few contestants that can’t sing make it into Youtube videos that make them popular to watch. After the auditions, the contestants perform songs of different genres for each episode of the show and viewers can call in to vote for their favorite(s). The contestants with the fewest votes, go home the following episode.

It’s a really simple show that has a large following. Such a large following in fact, that the contestants are endlessly critiqued the following day in offices and schools around the country. I’ve heard comments about competitors or judges appearing stoned, about how so-and-so couldn’t sing, how someone messed up or someone else did a really good job. People talk about how they voted for someone or why they didn’t vote for someone else, whose clothes were awful and “how could this contestant be voted off”.

My point is this: What if voters in the U.S. critiqued presidential candidates to the same level that they do American Idol contestants? It’s scary, but many people vote without giving their choice for president a more thorough scrutiny than their favorite reality show contender. Some people will say they are voting for a certain candidate because “he wants change” or “she is a woman” (no, really, I’ve heard that), or because “he wants to give us a break from gas taxes”. They won’t look further into their character than watching and listening to ads. All of the contestants on American Idol will tell you the best on their way to the auditions, but it isn’t until later in the season that you see for yourself what they really can or can’t do.

Several local and national elections were held yesterday, but I bet you will hear more from co-workers about American Idol or Survivor than how presidential elections are shaping up and how candidate’s words are different form their past actions.