Here is an implementation plan for the idea of using the American Idol model for selecting political candidates. I have promoted the American Idol Model for selecting the presidential candidates a couple of times but it is hard to get something this different started on a national scale.  The idea could first be tried in a medium sized city with an active civic community.  The first test would be in the selection process of candidates for Mayor or city council.

The benefits that would accrue to the local politicians would be national attention to a new idea and if it worked more people active in the political process.

The run off events could be filmed and shown on the public access channel so most of the infrastructure already exists.  The events could be things like talking to students, visiting neighborhoods, town hall meetings, entertaining friends and working at the homeless shelter.   There would still be a general election between the finalists.  Now this has a homer ring but Pasadena would be the perfect city to try this idea.  It is a creative city with lots of media savy people and access to production types from the LA film and TV industry.

Thanks to Dave Szamet a brilliant young film maker for this implementation enhancement of the original idea.