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The Politics of American Idol
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ShareApril 08, 2008 10:58 AM
ABC's Sunlen Miller reports: Tomorrow night on that little singing contest show you may have heard of, American Idol, the intense competition won’t only be between bad-boy-rocker David Cook, and sweeter-than-pie David Archuleta.
That’s because tomorrow night is ‘Idol Gives Back’ , when a cavalcade of stars, from Bono to Brad Pitt, will encourage viewers to donate money to support children in poverty, on the program that also asks you to cast a ballot for your favorite singer.
But that’s not the only vote that will be pursued tomorrow night, when Senators Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain, will also appear on Idol Gives Back, with taped messages each will record especially for the program.
As Ryan Seacrest would say: “THIS is American President.”
In the text of the statement Obama released to reporters of his Idol Gives Back statement, the candidate stuck to his theme of hope, while aligning himself with the Idol-loving fan base. “I’d like to say a few words not just as the father of two young girls who are big American Idol fans, but as someone who cares deeply about what tonight’s show is all about…I hope that everyone who’s watching will make a contribution to Idol Gives Back, and help make this world a more just, more equal, and more hopeful place to live."
McCain and Clinton's Idol statements have not yet been distributed to reporters. But when the candidates present their best performances, what will Simon Cowell and the other Idol judges have to say?
Last year’s Idol Gives Back special included a statement from the President and Mrs. Bush. It is unclear at this writing whether the President will once again participate in this program. It has been announced that British Prime Minsiter Gordon Brown will appear. But perhaps that isn't surprising given that Idol’s creators are Brits, and Brown is in his first year in office. Perhaps the American politicians’ slot on Idol has gone to the next potential presidents rather than the lame-duck current president? There is only so much room for politicians on a program that will include Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dog and the Manning brothers.
April 8, 2008 in Bush, George W., Hunter, Duncan, Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom, Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (10)
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Begging for money, political statements, and rap music are why "Fast Forward" buttons are on remote controls! My wife and I enjoy American Idol (in spite of Simon Cowell), but this is one week we can do without. Yes, I DO feel sorry for African children; poverty isn't their fault. But after a hundred years or more of wealthier nations throwing money at Africa we know it only causes them to make MORE babies. American Idol should stick to MUSIC and singers who SING, not express ego-inflated opinions. And when Bono says "we can end poverty", he demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge about human history. There will ALWAYS be poverty. Always. And as the world runs out of food and drinkable water, it won't get any better.
Posted by: Rhys | Apr 8, 2008 11:19:49 AM
What on earth happens to the money that goes to Africa no other country is heard of as often as we hear about africa more typical white people around the world feeling guilty for something we had no part in how can we look forward if all we do is look backwards.
Posted by: Bishop | Apr 8, 2008 11:32:28 AM
Over half of this money goes to America ,if people feel good about giving who are you to say this is not good?????????It will get better but not from you I guess>>>>>You have to work at things and if you try it can happen.
Posted by: h | Apr 8, 2008 12:30:35 PM
Holy Hannah, people! If you had watched last year's show, you would know that most of the money went to Katrina victims, illiterate Kentuckyans, and a bulk of other Americans just like yourselves who have fallen victim to our unfair society and government. What's wrong with a little charity? If the tables were turned, you would be appalled at what you have written. Treat others as you would like to be treated and maybe you wouldn't be so cynical and unhappy.
Posted by: Jodi | Apr 8, 2008 12:37:10 PM
Obama knows a lot about AmericanIdol, but the not the church he has attended for 20 years.
Posted by: bryan shuy | Apr 8, 2008 1:36:39 PM
Obama, the most liberal senator, will be eaten alive by the republican dirty tricks machine... i am voting for hillary.... can't take 12 years of republicans...
Posted by: greg | Apr 8, 2008 2:26:42 PM
Obama!!! You got a lot more than "99 problems" and the LADY is most definatly at the top of the list! You insult a woman who's company your crude campaigners are not fit to be in! You are walking in a quick sand of lies, tread very carefully!
Posted by: Di | Apr 8, 2008 2:34:29 PM
MORE BONO!!! I think he has the biggest heart and right idea for this campaigne. I believe in what he says and the money goes where it is supposed to...and that is because of him!! Put U2 on this show...someone attempt a U2 song, they have so many great ones to choose from...why hasn't this happened?
Posted by: Laura Blentson | Apr 8, 2008 9:18:18 PM
Oh, my. I've been saying this primary is like American Idol for months. This is a nightmare.
Posted by: Veronica in CA | Apr 9, 2008 12:12:20 AM
I believe in charity but I also believe in teaching people to help themselves. What is the constant enabling of people to feel sorry for themselves. Get over it! Welcome to LIFE. I will continue to give but I will educate my children to be accountable and life is what you make it. GO JOHN McCAIN! WE WILL MISS YOU GEORGE BUSH! The RIGHT thing is not always the most popular thing but it doesn't change the fact that it is RIGHT.
Posted by: BRISKET | Apr 10, 2008 11:57:24 AM
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