(Sur)reality TV
Keith Boykin is running to be the American Candidate.
What? He’s running for office?
No, not exactly. He’s running for the “The American Candidate.” It’s almost like running for President, except it’s not. It’s only for 10 weeks and it’s just a reality television show on Showtime. But it will give several people their 15 minutes of fame--presuming they haven’t already used theirs up--plus a shot at $200,000 and a national platform to espouse their political views during an election year.
Not bad...
Sure, if you don’t mind being followed around by a tv crew and having your private life exposed to the whole world.
Gee, I hadn’t thought of that.
Yeah. And they make you do stuff too, like every reality show. First feat was to hold a rally announcing your candidacy. Which ever two candidates had the lowest turnout, got dropped from the race. Keith held his Tuesday night at the Center. It was a really good turnout on 24 hours notice. Thank God for email. But the whole thing was kinda weird.
Weird?
Yeah, weird. Some of this city’s most visible grassroots activists, folks who regularly work for gay rights, or HIV/AIDS, civil rights and other progressive causes, all showed up to support.
What’s wrong with that?
HELLO. It’s a TV show! It’s not like if he wins he can get more government money for their causes or anything. It’s a freakin’ TV show!
Oh...
Sitting there, I couldn’t tell if I was part of the “reality” or the “show.” A couple of friends and I were joking that we’re all so sick of the bizarre world Bush has created that we’ve decided to create our own and live there instead. I just hope all those people who turned out Tuesday night will remember to vote in the REAL election in November.
Good point. Anything else to add?
No, just that I ran into a few other bloggers and a bunch of other people I haven’t seen in years. Nothing like the hint of a little tv exposure to get folks to turn out. Everybody loves a party.
Must have been real interesting.
It was surreal. Kind of like this blog entry.
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Thanks so much for writing about this. Yes it was a little weird for me as well.
I do hope people turn out to vote not only in the general elections but in primary elections as well.
Posted by: Keith Boykin at June 9, 2004 12:46 AMi really didn't mean to miss this ... i definitely won't miss the (real) elections
Posted by: lynne at June 9, 2004 12:57 AM"Snicker" LOL!
Posted by: Cee-Boone at June 9, 2004 3:20 PMI quite enjoyed the way you wrote this entry.
Posted by: j. brotherlove at June 10, 2004 4:32 PMThat is surreal... Good luck to Keith
Posted by: Rocka at June 11, 2004 7:08 PMi was there to support the cause. i didn't even notice the cameras.
Posted by: kevinrscott at June 17, 2004 4:53 PM