| ‘American Idol’ issue looms large before the November congressional elections
Hollywood – The Senate this week will begin debate on “American Idol” contestant Chris Daughtry and allegations he ripped off his version of “I Walk the Line” from one done by the band Live in 2001. “If Mr. Daughtry is saying one thing, and then we find out that his claims were false, then he – just like anyone else in this country, no matter who they are – should be held accountable,” said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
“We want to quickly get to the bottom of this,” added Frist, a Tennessee Republican and potential presidential contender in 2008. “Tens of millions of my constituents are watching this show every week, and we don’t want to be lied to. “
Frist plans to bring up legislation on Monday in an emergency session that would not only censure Daughtry, but would also force “American Idol” producers to remove him from the program. With “American Idol” being the most popular program on television with record ratings, the issue looms large before the November congressional elections and is playing a role in jockeying among potential 2008 presidential candidates.
“There are other issues that some people say are important, like the war in Iraq, terrorism and immigration,” said Steven Langley, professor and chair of political science at Fairfield College in Westfield, Maine. “However, the American electorate is clearly more interested in what’s taking place with ‘American Idol.’ Lawmakers can finally see that, and with the mid-term elections coming up, they want to show voters that they’re involved in the process and taking action.”
Several Democratic Senators are defending Daughtry, including Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts.
“The week before, many Americans saw Daughtry perform the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ version of ‘Higher Ground’ on Stevie Wonder night,” said Sen. Kerry while taking a break from wind-surfing in Bermuda. “Daughtry repeatedly mentioned in his pre-taped interview who he was modeling his performance after. The question we have to ask now is whether or not the producers ended up editing out Daughtry’s comments about the version of the Johnny Cash song.”
Kerry is being criticized for defending Daughtry since he is on record saying that he had thrown his support behind contestant Kevin Covais, who was voted out last week, and that Daughtry should not have made it this far.
“The fact of the matter is that I voted for Daughtry before I voted against him,” explained Kerry. “After consulting with my advisors, I decided that Covais should get my vote. I’m still not convinced that Covais got a fair vote. There have been reports of some improprieties in the voting process.”
The mix of politics and reality TV entertainment concerns Julia Seager, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Entertainment and State.
“I think it is true that this is the earliest in an election year that we’ve seen so much use of reality shows for partisan purposes,” Seager said. “I don’t have a problem with lawmakers saying they’re fans of the show. The problem is when one gets the impression that candidates are substituting their reality TV show beliefs for commonly shared constitutional values.”
When asked about President George W. Bush’s view of the issue, White House spokesperson Scott McLellan said, “I appreciate your question. I think your question is being asked relating to some reports that are in reference to an ongoing congressional investigation. The investigation that you reference is something that continues at this point. And as I’ve previously stated, while that investigation is ongoing, the White House is not going to comment on it. I hope that clears things up for you.” | |
Doesn't Congress have something MUCH more important to do than this? THIS is what my tax dollars pay for? 
