Reality Show Winner Elected President

The new political reality show “Independent” will utilize MySpace and YouTube auditions, and it may influence the 2008 presidential elections.

Does this thought frighten you? It should!

Although the concept of this new reality show is an exciting and innovative use of the Internet, the winning “prize” has a lot to be desired.

According to a recent Reuters story, “Mark Burnett, the producer who popularized reality television, and Internet social network MySpace will unveil a new reality TV and Internet series that aims to groom one young politician or community leader to represent young America.”

The winner of “Independent” will receive $1 million that they can use to launch a new political party, donate to a political cause, or enter the U.S. presidential race.

Is this really a prize worth winning? I don’t think so.

First of all, it would take a lot more than $1 million to successfully start a new political party. In theory, it could be done. But as the Green Party demonstrates, creating a new political party is much more difficult than winning a reality show.

Next, if you win $1 million on a reality show, why should you have to donate it to anyone?

Finally, would the winning representative of young America meet the minimum age requirement and even be eligible to enter the presidential race?

"The whole point of “Independent” really speaks to what young Americans want," the British-born Burnett said. "If you look back, the (political) system was supposed to work this way."

This brings me to my nightmare.

Let’s suppose that “Independent” energizes the young voting base and the winner actually does get elected president. Do we really want the winner of a reality show running the country?

Stick with the tried-and-true formula Mark Burnett. Give the money to the winner and let them fade into pop-culture history like most of the other reality show winners. If they are really destined to become president, let them earn it with their talents and experience. Such a course will make them a much better leader.

The temporary fame and fortune of a reality show should influence pop-culture, not American politics.