Why Heidi Klum Should Moderate the Debate

My husband is obsessed with sports. My brother-in-law is obsessed with movies. They both hate to shop and could not tell you whether Balenciaga is a fashion line or an island in the South Pacific. So why are they completely addicted to Project Runway? Last night while we were watching, my brother-in-law told me what he loves about it: the public shaming.

That's when the judges confront the designers every week, before they cut someone loose, and give them a little tough love. Minus the love.

The formula is the same on other "reality shows." I'm not sure what in human nature compels us to watch another human being shamed in public. But it obviously has appeal. Look at the ratings.

Hopefully by now we've learned that most of these "reality shows" bear only a passing resemblance to "reality". And what is politics if not the ultimate reality show? Especially this year.

In 2004, Karl Rove should have won an Emmy for the Swift Boat campaign. The Republicans have mastered reality programming. And America is watching -- the same way we watch American Idol.

The designers on Project Runway are competing to get a fashion show. John McCain and Sarah Palin are competing to get the most important jobs in the world. So why do we allow them to avoid the tough talk that is given straight to a reality contestant? Why is Kim Kardashian subjected to public shaming on Dancing With the Stars, when Sarah Palin isn't?

It's a sad truth that right now, the McCain campaign is less real than a reality show.

If politicians heard straight talk from reality show judges, here is what Sarah might hear from Heidi Klum:

"We asked you to define the Bush Doctrine and you couldn't. We asked you to talk about the bailout plan and you couldn't. We asked you to name a newspaper you read, and you couldn't. We asked you to name a Supreme Court case and you couldn't. We asked for answers and you give us nonsense. We asked for new ideas but you and McCain give us the same old ideas of George Bush. Without a script, you have no idea what you're taking about. The rest of the time you give us lies. You claim you said "no thanks" to that Bridge to Nowhere? We say, "no thanks" to you."

"Sarah -- you're out. Auf Wiedersehen."

Comments

[Darryle Pollack - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks so much for appreciating my humor --especially since lots of times my own kids don't. I've always believed you have to laugh at the worst things in life in order to get through it---and that is true now maybe more than ever.

[CeeCee]

Absolutely BRILLIANT!

[max365]

This is the funniest stuff I have read in a long time. It was way too funny and I could imagine Heidi Klum saying that with that her you are out look.

Beautifully said!!

[hothardtop]

This is hysterical and so needed right now. It is more like watching the Wizard of Oz as the Republicans keep telling us to look over there and ignore what is coming out of their mouths. Brilliant writing.

[wonderfallz]

As I was watching Heidi turn to her colleagues and in one remark completely tear apart Kenley's attitude I couldn't help but imagine how she would completely shut down Palin's entire snarky disrespectful persona.

[Melissa]

SNL and all the Hollywood bashing is helping Sarah whether they realize it or not.

[ElBruce]

Hmm... Actually, elimination rounds might be a good way to handle primaries.

[SherryIndianapolis]

Isn't a shame we demand more perfection from our designers on PR than the candidates for leader of the free world? Incredible!

[OtayPanky]

Darryle Pollack: Why is Kim Kardashian subjected to public shaming on Dancing With the Stars, when Sarah Palin isn't?

===

Once there's a tape of you doing the deed for sale on the internet, you're fair game for anyone and everyone.

So if you've got a tape of Sarah, now's the time to share it.

[Biffmeister]

I'm sitting here laughing, but you're right on the money. That last paragraph and closing line need to be widely circulated. The haut couture straight talk express.
You give 'em hell Heidi, er ah Ms. Pollack.

This begs a SNL sketch. Any one from the show out there?.