Debatable....

Not since the writers strike last year has TV had such a problem with their scripted schedules. Turns out that people have overwhelmingly chosen to follow reality TV. But not the unreal, semi scripted, semi clad reality TV that they have created. No, Survivor, Dancing With the Stars, Desperate Housewives and Dexter, have all made way for something even more compelling.

Election 2008 has sexism, crisis, craziness, good manners, poor manners and compelling narratives. In Canada we get to watch two versions of this spectacle. We can watch the (over the top) American Version starring: a war hero, a son of a Kenyan Goat farmer, a folksy Dad, and a super gorgeous Hockey Mom. Or we can watch the slightly more sedate, but definitely quirkier Canadian version.

But the item that stands out in both versions is that both campaigns need to be followed around by a legion of media "truth squads." In other words, it seems that the average TV reality show is as honest as the average political campaign. Weirdly the product advertising that supports both these shows is generally more true, or at least less misleading (because it is required to be). Reality shows have long been known to be "fixed" and "staged" and even "total fabrications" but who knew that this method applied to "Election 2008."

If you are an advertiser wanting to sell me a toaster (or a car, or mouthwash etc.) in Canada, you have to be honest about it. There is a law. But politicians are not covered by law. They are covered by the constitution and the right to free speech. So if you are trying to sell me a Prime Minister, or a candidate, you are free to say anything you can get away with. (Clearly there are some things you can't do, witness the ignominious exit of some candidates.)

Sounds incredible, but it is true!

"Since the 1960s, advertising in Canada has been governed by the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, which is administered by Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), an industry association "committed to creating and maintaining community confidence in advertising."

The code declares that "advertisements must not contain inaccurate or deceptive claims, statements, illustrations or representations, either direct or implied, with regard to a product or service."
So what's the problem? Why are we still seeing political ads that seem to steer a wide berth around the truth? The answer is that The Code of Advertising Standards specifically excludes political and election ads from its mandate.
While acknowledging that Canadians are "entitled to expect" election advertising to conform to the code, the ASC argues that "it is not intended that the code govern or restrict the free expression of public opinion or ideas," and therefore, politicians are basically free to say whatever they want." CBC - There Outta Be A Law

To see the campaign of Democracy Watch check here.

It seems a similar rule must operate in the US.

But people are tuning in to Election 2008 in record numbers. Especially in the US.

It truly is an amazing race. Though apparently less believable than "The Amazing Race" or more accurately their respective sponsors.

So I leave you with perhaps one of my favourite commercials. Maybe the debates this Thursday will be this fun, or even this truthful.
K