Survivor: Sacramento
In a week full of fall series and season
premieres, I imagine no show garnered more viewers
than tonight's debate probably did. I didn't see it
myself, since I had to work, but from all reports,
the sparks flew tonight in Sacramento. The debate's
free-for-all format apparently created a spectacle
more like "The Jerry Springer Show" meets
"Survivor" than a serious, thoughtful consideration
of political issues. God, I wish I'd seen it.
Here in California, we're seeing record numbers
of people turning out to become registered voters.
If all indications hold true, we may similarly see
record numbers of voters at the polls. That's a
great thing... though one wonders why people are
really interested. Has the high visibility
of candidates like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Larry
Flynt created more awareness of the political
process? Or is America's fascination with reality
TV spilling over into the political arena? I have
strong suspicions that it's the latter.
Comparisions of the recall election to a
three-ring circus have long since become tired
clichés, but not for lack of accuracy. The
carnival atmosphere is undeniable. "I just realized
that I have a perfect part for you in Terminator
4," Schwarzenegger said to Arianna Huffington in
tonight's debate, prompting the moderator to
complain that "this is not Comedy Central." No, but
it could be.
If we're going to have an election worthy of
"Fear Factor" or "Who Wants to Marry a
Millionaire," let's go all out. It may be amusing
to see Huffington spear Schwarzenegger with
comments like "This is the way you treat women, we
know that" when the action hero pissed her off. But
can you imagine the entertainment value of a debate
between candidates Gallagher and Gary Coleman? The
comedian would probably end up smashing the former
child star's head like a ripe watermelon. A
debate a trois between porn peddler Larry
Flynt, porn star Mary Carey and L.A. starlet
Angelyne might prove more titillating than
"Temptation Island." And a verbal sparring between
Green Party candidate Peter Camejo and tie-dyed
Independent Nathan Walton would be like watching
Cheech and Chong's "Up in Smoke."
C'mon, this is a democratic process, let's give
equal debate time to all the candidates. If not for
Californians, then at least for Hollywood!
©2003 Michael
Strickland ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED
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