Last night, I lounged on my couch, wistfully viewing American Idol sans Brooke White and lazily clicking through the internets, catching the latests news from the North Carolinian and Indianan voting precincts.
As the night progressed, it was clear that Obama was Archuletaing the shit out of North Carolina. He breezed in with his charm and precocious professionalism, and rolled out with all of our hearts. All the while, Clinton faltered like Sayesha before Andrew Lloyd Webber week.
And then this happened:
Jason Castro perfectly mirrored Clinton’s showing in Indiana. Both had stong showings in their contests - Clinton won the state and Castro loosed his charm and adorableness upon America. But the slightest of hiccups for both will probably mean curtains for them.
Clinton’s less-than-a-point lead in Indiana and thorough whomping in North Carolina will make it even more difficult for her to overcome her opponent. And poor Jason’s inability to remember the words from the first verse of the song he was singing pretty much guarantees him the axe tonight on the results show.
American Idol once again proves itself a vitally important tool for understanding the complexities of electoral politics.
On a final note, I just also need to say a word for a fallen hero, the Mike Huckabee of American Idol. She lasted longer than anyone thought, and yet she was taken from us far too soon. Sweet Brooke White.
The facts are tough to ignore: She would have to secure 70% of all remaining delegates (pledged and super) to gain the nomination, her campaign is broke and her supporters are manning the lifeboats.
It seems it’s not a question of “if” but “when” her run will end.
I know - it’s going to be a long, hard road for Paula Abdul.
Um, I love you. This is amazing.
A friend sent me to this blog because I’m researching American Idol and the democratization of television. What fantastic analysis you’ve provided.
If you like, I’ve posted a survey to get feedback on American Idol in general and voting patterns specifically, I would love your contribution. And pass it on to anyone else you know who watches the show.
http://www.polldaddy.com/s/E9FF0C3AD77C0FD1/