No matter what one’s feelings are towards the American Idol reality TV series, it is undoubtedly the trendy smash of this decade. Now in it’s sixth season, there have been many memorable moments for the show which viewers and non-viewers can easily recollect. While it was initially set as a catalyst show for finding singing talent it has now become more of a circus for the outlandish and dim-witted. In retrospect there has been talent on the show. Both recent winner Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson have proven that they are genuine sensations in the singing world. But to anyone who saw the train wreck called Sanjaya or season three’s William Hung, infamous for his unintelligibly bad singing, this show has attracted all kinds. This search for an idol has now been a nations El Dorado of fame. Much like the already begun campaigning, these contestants are looking for the prestige of the win, not for the upholding or fulfilling of corresponding responsibilities.

With the Presidential elections a year and a half away, the party debates and campaign trails have started with full momentum. Obviously every Presidential hopeful will want to gain popular approval (that’s not a new trend). To explore the lengths at which these debaters will go to pander to the social trends of the ‘rising’ generation would be inexhaustible. However while touching only briefly on their comments and actions from these past months, lets see if our elections are following the American Idol trend: Everyone wants to win America’s votes but is anyone really qualified.

When questioned about the military status in Guantánamo Bay during the Republican debates in S. Carolina, our presidential candidates poured out a myriad of heartfelt, thoughtful resolutions. Double the troops, limit the troops, and surely some must have been thinking how they could tie in the shocking cost of John Edwards’ haircuts to their military strategies in Cuba. Yet Colorado representative, Tom Tancredo, would not settle for a simple, non-fictional solution. "You say that nuclear devices have gone off in the United States, more are planned, and we're wondering about whether waterboarding would be a bad thing to do? I'm looking for Jack Bauer at that time!” Hmm… Of course! That’s a popular show. Why not see if the clout of Keifer Sutherland gives unknown Rep. Tancredo an invite to the cool kids lunch table. (worked for Patrick Dempsey). Well, obviously, he found the instant of wanton praise he was looking for. Unfortunately, the only motivation his snip gave to viewers was to search for a channel actually showing '24.' But this was indeed a tactful move, seen frequently on reality TV—name dropping. One gains all the benefits of the celebrity’s status but there is actually no link between the two. Groupie privileges without having to suck up to anyone, or ask for endorsement. Also note how 'Tom' could glibly mention relinquishing moral scruples concerning explicit torture by tagging Sutherland afterward. It’s like a snappy punch line trying to cover for a bad joke.

Speaking of celebrity persuasion, American Idol voter rely on the judges, celebrity guests and TV recaps to influence their votes, so they coincide with that of popular dictum. Again, this has been a path of destruction for the TV show. Voters pick for popularity not for quality (again I turn attention to Sanjaya, and all of season 6 singers). It's not the prom (not that I have any personal verification of such a comparison). Over the next 18 months I estimate that many Hollywood types will come out, brash and bold, in support of their candidate. Without a doubt, voters will follow sway, uninformed. Certainly, Oprah’s sanction on Obama’s campaign was worth more than any debate, interview or video he could take on himself. I’m sure many candidates shook their heads in shameful defeat when she came out to Larry King. We’ve seen what she’s done for Dr. Phil and Rachael Ray... To say that the qualifications set by Oprah seen in those two is lacking is an understatement. Dr. Phil has abased himself so much to social conformity and pressure that he merits a professional recommendation as much as Judge Judy deserves a Supreme Court nomination. But assuredly Obama will receive many votes just for Oprah’s nod. Let’s hope that not all will be easily swayed.

I still have hope, despite these celebrity supports. Kerry isn’t sitting in the Oval Office now, and he had People’s magazine sexiest man Brad Pitt pulling for him. (Perhaps Americans felt that a man who couldn’t decide between Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie knew little about good choice making).

While my sources to American Idol are purely recaps on the news, it was difficult to hide from this season's anomaly, Sanjaya. Here’s a kid whose appearance is the only thing that attracts attention. Every week comments would be made on his clothes or hair, which were at best lackluster, yet nothing was said of his performances. Here lies the cover-up: If enough talk is directed to some trivial aspect, voters will be distracted from the lack of quality and talent. This may be a decent strategy for a certain stylish Democrat, who even Obama said was “cute and good looking”.

While American Idol and our presidential candidates are melting pots, the only hope for any to win is to stand out. Hold true to their standards, give direct responses to the tough questions, avoid vague Iraq war plans…? Obviously, those things have more to do with reality TV and less to do with presidential debates. Here are keys for potential victors: Giuliani keep the course with stories of 9/11, but try to steer clear of those which include or current president (that’s the iceberg that’ll sink you). And why is Obama the only one with an outspoken celebrity sponsor. Martha Stewart could definitely team up with Hilary (if in fact they aren’t the same person). Donald Trump could use more publicity, perhaps witty underdog Huckabee could put the TRUMP logo on his lapel. Tancredo… just pray Sutherland doesn’t come after you. Let’s not forget the influence of Oprah’s copycat, Tyra Banks. Senator McCain, perhaps you’d think about becoming a iconic sponsor yourself. Maybe for a pharmaceutical product? Look at the success Bob Doyle enjoyed after doing those Viagra commercials…right?

Of course, the ideal solution to our presidential quandary: hire a cynical British moderator to make initial candidate cuts and then publicly insult any less than qualified hopefuls in an attempt to manipulate voting outcomes. Simon Cowell, America needs you