But are they our Idols?

Virginia Heffernan in The New York Times has a great idea:

November’s general elections need a “results show” like the big bash “American Idol” staged on Fox last night. Instead of distracted anchormen calling tallies from boring desks, the hyperhappy host, Ryan Seacrest, could crow in a tieless tux about how fabulous voter turnout was. Past failed candidates – Carol Moseley Braun, Bob Dole and Howard Dean, certainly – could reprise old stump speeches, all smiles now. Finally, following a sax rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by a former idol, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and John Kerry could stand up, holding hands, trembling but beaming encouragement to each other, as Ryan announced our next American president.

Heffernan’s brief article on the final of American Idol is worth reading.

Thanks to Veronica for the tip.