After the results of CBS' "Survivor" were announced, ABC's "Good Morning America" decided that it would be fun to have a reporter on the streets, showing passersby pictures of the three people, two who probably should be known, and one who we've all already forgotten. First was Richard Hatch, the winning "Survivor." Also running were vice-presidential candidates Joe Lieberman and Dick Cheney.
This becomes a very cynical piece: yet again, it demonstrates how politically ignorant the American people are. They can't even recognize the vice-presidential candidates. But why don't the people know the candidates? Moreover, why do the people all know who Richard Hatch is? What follows is a transcript of the results of their survey, and the anchorperson's comments.
Good Morning America, August 25, 2000
JACK FORD: OK. And here are the results of our very unscientific poll: "Survivor" millionaire Richard came out on top. Sixty-seven percent of the people recognized him.
ELIZABETH VARGAS: That's so scary.
FORD: Senator Joe Lieberman was a distant second, 37 percent, followed by former Secretary Dick Cheney at 22 percent.
And the moral of the story is - what, indeed, is this saying...
VARGAS: I don't know, but...
FORD: ...about our culture.
VARGAS: ...at least the country- one of those two people, Mr. Cheney or Mr. Lieberman, will become more familiar soon, we hope.
FORD: Theoretically without having to eat rats and whatever it is that they had...
VARGAS: Mm-hmm.
FORD: ...to...
VARGAS: Larvae. Whatever.
These are the people who define what is news, and shape our views of what happens. Theoretically without having to eat rats. Whatever.
