Political Idols
You’re in the public eye. You’re in competition for the top spot. Every time you open your mouth, you’re being judged. And you’re in it to win. So… is this American Idol, or the current Canadian election? And outside of a dedicated audience that votes, does it matter?
Five weeks to go in the Idol calendar, and five days to go in the countdown to power. Similar; similar. On Idol, the judges have little to offer that we haven’t heard before. On the campaign trail, ditto. Right now, the political game is more acerbic, but we don’t know what goes on in “the mansion” of Idol aspirants. No attack ads, so that’s one plus. However, votefortheworst.com is enough of a kick to the shins to keep the voices humble. Why can’t we have that up here in Canada?
Idol brings in guest celebrities. The Bloc does the same thing, although the former premier looked worse for the wear. Just noting the obvious. Vote Mobs. No parallel to draw there. Debates where certain candidates (from one party) refuse to be seen or heard. No parallel there, either.
Back to the music, then. Each week we get a different focus: tonight, Carole King is centre stage. Finally, an artist with a long career. Politicians don’t last that long. Good songs; another lack in the political world. There are campaign songs, but the emphasis should be on the pain…
One detail. When the Idol season ends, we get a hiatus. No such luck with the political class. Prorogation doesn’t count.
