Electoral Hubris

Not content just to leave the TV industry in its dust, American Idol has called out the American Electoral Process once again.

The latest volley came from hostey thing Ryan Seacrest, who boasted that the 63 million votes cast this season were "more than any president in the history of our country has received."

I haven't seen much of this American Idol show, but I am aware it involves singing and judging and voting.

Apparently, the voting part is comparable to the talent show Uncle Sam likes to throw every four years.

For those who don't click links that's 1,070,000 hits on google for the pairing of "American Idol" and "Presidential Election."

Impressive yes, but still not 63 million.

That got me thinking, what do Americans like to do when they are not voting for the next American Idol?

Using the infinitely helpful tool google search, I got these results:

76 million Americans a year poison themselves with food
70 million Americans a year go boating
60 million Americans a year buy new or used cars
50 million Americans a year get pap smears
41 million Americans a year are exposed to the beauty of Queensland
40 million Americans a year struggle to pay their medical bills (says John Kerry)
32 million Americans a year read blogs
25 million Americans a year play a round of golf
20 million Americans a year make a donation to good will
10 million Americans a year have their identities stolen.
9 million Americans a year get trained in CPR

Maybe 63 million votes isn't so impressive.

After all you can vote for the next American Idol as many times as you want -- how may times can a non-Queenlander be exposed to the beauty of Queensland?

And boating? American Idol can't even beat boating!?!

What does boating bring to the table?

Sea sickness? Sunburn? Asphyxiation due to drowning?

No need to even respond to the little tanned man, American Electoral Process.

120 million plus last time out.

Good job.

You're still the electoral gold standard around here.