American Morning
Gut check: Is prime-time entertainment partisan?
If Bristol Palin's presence on "Dancing with the Stars" proved anything, it showed how partisan we've become.
Some believe the only reason she remained on the show for so long is because of a Tea Party or Republican conspiracy. Seneca Doane wrote on the liberal DailyKos.com: "She (Bristol Palin) is evidently clearly inferior to the other contestants, but Sarah Palin fans keep on voting her in not because of her greater talent but as a tribute to her grifter mom. Evidently, they're making a political point."
Bristol and her dance partner Mark Ballas insist that's not true. Ballas insists, "I've had loads of people come up to me, especially out here in LA and say I’m 100% Democrat, but I vote for you guys every week - because I have a normal life, I’m a normal family. I come home to my normal TV set and tune in and I think to myself if I was on that show that's exactly how I would be and I enjoy watching the journey and it's inspiring."
The funny thing – or the sad thing – is just how much we've politicized everything in country. The headline in "The Hollywood Reporter" describes "The Reign of Right-Wing Primetime." In a new study, media research company Experian Simmons came up with a list of shows favored by Republicans and by Democrats. Among the shows Republicans watch: “Dancing with the Stars,” “Modern Family,” and “Big Bang Theory.” Democrats apparently watch shows about "damaged characters" like “Mad Men,” “30 Rock” and “Dexter” – all shows with much lower ratings. Republicans it seems are more devoted to their favorites and watch in greater numbers.
This supposed partisan divide in TV viewing habits has erupted over Bristol Palin. Kim Serafin, who worked in politics with Rudy Giuliani and is now senior editor of In Touch Weekly, put it this way: "It's kind of funny but not entirely surprising. Because people do politicize everything. They politicize TV shows, they politicize movies, they politicize celebrities. Everything that people do these days is politicized."
Gut check: Many of us expect our politicians to reach across the aisle – but do we really mean that? We're so partisan there are Republican and Democratic TV shows – can't we just enjoy the show?
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I thing the should change the name of dancing with the stars for dancing with politics... Is Bristol a star? why is she in the show any ways?
I think that Chelsea Clinton should go on Dancing With the Stars and then all the democrats can vote for her. It's gotten so political. It is simply appalling that Bristol has been allowed to stay on the show this long. Judges were no help. They patronize her all the time. And her scores too high. She never should have had a higher score than 6.
She is a sweet girl but has absolutely no personality, lacks expression when dancing, is as bland as tepid water and oh by the way, not nearly as talented as Brandy and many before her who had to leave. Brandy can dance!!! So what's the reason she has stayed on? Isn't it obvious......
All of this leftest BS whining is deafening! As long as some of your baggybutted slouchy no lifers are winning, you are fine with it! It's your pushing your no brain BS on the country is what has woke the sleeping giant. Now sit back and get a taste of you own medicine!
Will you guys get a life! For heaven's sake it's a reality show. Do you really think The Tea Party people are even looking at this? I'll bet they have more to do than to watch DWTS never mind spending the time to call in. Unbelievable what you people call news!
This was a preemptive strike by ABC to crown Jennifer Gray as the champion next week. The only way they can do it is to pin the American people against the strongest dancer Brandy and the weaker politically lightning rod Bristol Palin. Why did you think they isolated their Disney dynamo Kyle Massey?
Jeez people, get a life !
Larrya second agoLet us wake up and please make a valid rationalization. It is for obvious and ONLY obvious reasons why Bristol is still on this show. The popularity or control exerted for lack of another term by her maternal connection. This is supposed to be a DANCE COMPETITION and not a popularity contest. The judging is supposed to be NON-Partisan, NON-Biased and based ONLY on the ability to dance and not clog around like a pregnant elephant with a fifth leg or the tin man the way the Palin offspring has shown the entire competition. This is NOT a show about most improved clutz, it's about the ability to be graceful, crisp, technically executable and passionate while performing those moves, NONE of these qualities have yet to be exhibited by Bristol. I choreographed dancers in the past and believe me, like any other choreographer, if that cow had hit a stage in front of me or any other judge she wouldn't have made to a second audtion. Unless the voters allowed to cast a vote are trained in judging DANCING before being allowed to cast a vote and that vote is based on DANCE ability, technical execution and any other qualities necessary to be considered as dance, then the vote should count for nothing. If this travesty is to be based on popular vote, then why are there any judges or why is there any judging taking place. The public certainly isn't talented enough or trained enough to judge anything beyond what they are having for dinner. We are not electing prom queen or because your "mommy" is this or that, it's about DANCE and DANCE ABILITY. If you can't dance, GET OFF THE STAGE, TAKE THE IDIOTS WHO AREN'T TRAINED TO JUDGE THAT VOTED FOR YOU AND STOP SHOWING THE IGNORANCE OF THOSE THAT DID VOTE FOR YOU!!!
Here is what so many of you are missing: A HUGE number of Americans, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, alike, are voting for Bristol Palin because they can relate to being told they are not enough. Everybody keeps talking about how she is not skilled enough, she not thin enough, she's not emotive enough...but nobody ever talks about her EFFORT! Nobody seems to care how hard she has been working. Well, lots of Americans can relate to that. In my opinion, Bristol Palin is THE PEOPLES' DANCER! And when she dances, she is dancing for all of us Americans who have been told we are not enough...that we're not pretty/handsome enough, that we're not smart enough, that we're not talented enough, that we're not thin enough, etc. If I have my way, Bristol Palin will win the whole thing! GO BRISTOL PALIN, THE PEOPLES' DANCER!!!
she was supposed to go from the first time on the show . Last nite brandy should have satay . Palin cannot dance . i will not watch DWTS any longer . The show sucks
This is my first comment ever on DWTS. Please include with others.
I truly believe that when it comes down to the final 4 the judges should decide on the final two couples to take part in the contest. People have lost sight of the show's concept. The process of eliminating one couple per week is to narrow it down to the overall best dancer. That was my perception from the onset. No one is going to convince me that Bristol Palin should still be in the running as one of the best. Don't get me wrong she's sweet, trying very hard, has improved but really placing her in the top three no way! DWTS is my favorite show but I'm starting to have mixed feelings and I'm sure there are many people who feel the same way. My suggestion – let the judges decide who deserves to be in the top two and then let the public vote who should win. LIfe is too dramatic to begin with – let's show more entertainment and fairness.
Dancing With The Stars is Fixed!!!! And there is proof!!!! Go to the season 11 wikipedia page and you will see that the participants are listed in the order in which they were eliminated. Wikipedia had them listed that way even before eliminations began. The order indicates that Jennifer Grey will be the next to go!!!! This is not a coincidence!!!!!! Go to the page and see for yourselves. Then boycott DWTS!!
Why are the Palin haters still watching? Last night was most votes ever at this stage. So all of you claiming that you will never watch again, please follow thru with your promise.
Anything to keep the PALIN name in the spotlight. Just like the Alaska program. She's got an agenda, and will USE whoever is around!!!
Bristol is not the Star ...she is the daughter of a Political Star, who got a chance to plug for her daughter before the voting began!!!!!! ...This campaign evidently helped to make Bristol a super dancing star.... in spite of the fact that she can't dance! Politics even here! I think so!
I'm a woman in my 60's and this will be the last time I watch DWTS. I have been disgusted with the "fan favorites" winning over the best dancers for several seasons now and I'm finished with this show. I tried to call and vote for Brandy on Monday night for a half hour after the show and kept getting a recording that my call couldn't go through until it was too late and the half hour call-in time was over. It sounds to me like someone fixed the phones so that she could not receive any votes. I like Bristol just fine and think she did come a long way; however; she did not deserve the finals. When it comes to the end of the show each season, the final two weeks should ""only"" be voted on my the judges and no public call-ins for the finals. They should also add 2 more judges because these 3 have show their favorites too openly. That's all I have to say and good bye DWTS. I'm through with this "fan favorites" type of show.
SNL is Republican??... lol.. Never watched the show,eh? Tina Fey was making fun of Palin – not attempting to help her. SNL is so far left wing liberal they fell off the chart.
@John .. your insane ramblings to me means nothing.... now run along back to wherever you came from.
The positioning of each couple on the show is squarely on their own shoulders on and off the dance floor. It is that positioning that people vote on, not just their technical and creative ability on the dance floor. if you want to remove the off the dance floor experience, then you will get a more accurate vote, maybe.
I do not discount the Palin affect, however, viewers attitudes toward the overall presentation of each couple, on and off the floor, can sway voters just as much and even more so in the face of overly expectant and arrongant couples on teh show. Brandy's dance partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, exemplified the arrogance that viewers will turn off in an instance, especially after his display with one of the judges, and Brandy herself has been a bit expectant and overly wanting.
Chmerkovskiy's humility and pride in America, after the announcement last night about the voting, is what it is, a few shows too late. This may be a better analogy to understand the vote for Bristol, than the Sarah Palin affect! It is a popularity contest, not a dance contest, just like the Presidency!
The lowest level on a show equals "we are just normal people." ?
Wow!
ABC please state that the essence of your show, is pure "agenda voting "not who is even close to the best performer or dancer.
ABC your dishonesty is an insult to all the good dancers and performers who are giving their everything.
Spin, twist, spin, twist on and on. Where is the wind blowing? We have all this air time to fill. Nothing really means anything. All that matters is that we keep "talking" and "trending".
Your credibility in other viewing decisions is in real question.
ABC, our answer with your air time. CLICK" As in OFF.
Oh my, you are worried there is partisanship on TV. SNL is so Republican it's upsetting. Why they tried their best to help Sarah Palin with all the Tina Fey routines and now they are supporting her daughter. Isn't just so unfair? What planet do you live on?
Hey MeLoN, Maybe I mispelled (Patent), I apologize. It shows I am human. Are you going to take me up on the challenge? Remember, you can't use ANYTHING to produce your product. Let me know how you do.
Just speak. It should be relatively easy.
Hey John.... I challenge you to learn basic english. Patton?.... As in General Patton or did you mean something else?
Give me break. I will stop watching dancing with the stars. Bristol Palin is going to win and she cannot dance. She wonders why the celebrities dont like her. she is not a star and does not deserve to be there.
People need to quit whining. This show is not about just dancing. Of course those with the biggest fan base end up in the finals. Although Bristol may not be the best of the finalist she was the only one with no dance experience, not exactly top physical shape, and no previous performance experience. I think she deserves to be in the finals, She has worked hard and has shown the most improvement. Jenifer was in a movie named "Dirty Dancing" and how did she get on this show? It is entertainment. If it wasn't no one would watch it. Fan base makes it watchable.
what a disappointment that politics has invaded my favorite show. Bristol is a clumsy terrible dancer who has risen to finals by virtue of who her mother is. Brandy should be proud of herself-she knows why she won't be there next week. neither will I- won't ever watch show again
Hey MeLoN, I challenge you to patton a new product; however, there is ONLY one rule, you can't use anything. Just speak, and it should be produced. Let me know how you do.
This is so crazy, Bristol Palin cannot dance. The sad thing about this she is going to win. She does not deserve to go to the finals. Be a real woman and give your spot up to someone who deserves to be in the finals. ABC needs to change the voting. Brandy and the other dancers were so much better.
Let me know when you stop talking about the conservative conspiracy to keep Bristol Palin on DWTS. Then I can start watching CNN again.
All entertainment is partisan! Who do you think Tea Partiers want to see on TV, an ATL youngblood rapper? No! Tea Partiers want to see and fawn over white people just like themselves. They don't want to watch Hollywood liberals unless they're attractive and white...and then they'd better toe the white conservative line. Hating Bristol Palin because a bunch of sheepish white people want her to win regardless of her inability to dance is enfantile...just like the Tea Party.
The end of DWTS captured the shock of the judges, audience and the other dancers on live TV. OK, Bristol's still on because her mom's army voted for her. They would vote for a salmon or Rocky Mountain oysters if Sarah said these were her faves.
Joshua, additionally, would you be able to refer me to a passage of scripture in the bible that specifically states where God allows man to marry man or woman to marry woman? If you find it, could you tell me where it is?
All I find is God made woman for man, a man shall leave his home and cleave to his wife, and love her.
@Joshua Wertheim: You are partially right. The almighty LOVES all. It is the act he hates (called sin).
I encourage you to read it, it's found in Genesis 18 & 19 (the story of Sodom and Gomorrah).
Have a wonderful day.
As the mother of two professionally trained dancers and dance instructors, I am shocked and dismayed at ABCs opportunistic cannibalism of Bristol Palin. While watching the "Bristol Batdance", I was tempted to cry in maternal sympathy for a young lady who desperately needs to pursue other aspects of life and education.
Here's a weird thought for all you conspiracy buffs.... maybe people vote for Bristol because they actually like her and not cuz of her dancing "skills", lack of them or even her mother. People are always looking for the worse in other and/or situations when these same people should be looking closer at THEMSELVES instead of trying to bring people down to their level.
DWTS is BDTV (Brain Dead TV) anyways. Same for their audience.
Absolutely. The tea party people are voting for palin's daughter only because of sarah not because of her talent as a dancer. Bristol sucks.
This was the first television show I've watched in years. I only which CNN, foodnetwork or HGTV. I had to learn how to vote by texting–I'm living in the 80s. I was thoroughly disappointed with ABC DWTS. I won't watch it again. I hope Jennifer wins. Go Jenny-baby!
Vince Gill and If You Ever...enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2IVZjt5_yY&NR=1
Ok, it's art imitating life. They obviously turned the phones off on Brandy's line. I had friends and family calling from New York, Virginia, Georgia and Texas, but the phones lines were either busy or down. I got a recording that the voting had closed for my time zone when the show was still on. African Americans can never get a break; even when they are the most talented or educated. America is in denial about racism the same way they justified slavery.
jide..you a big fan of jersey shores
After watching DWTS since its inception, I find it inconceivable that Bristol Palin is a finalist .It is difficult not to believe that this isn't politically motivated since DWTS is supposed to be a "dance contest" and not a "popularity contest." From the beginning, Bristol is and has remained the least talented with the least personality. Never in the past nine seasons of DWTS has anyone gone this far with such lack of talent. It does appear very suspicious. If Bristol goes home with the infamous "mirror ball trophy," they might as well change the name ot the show to "Prancing with Politics." Needless to say, I won't be tuning in any longer as it no longer is an actual "talent" show.
The Almighty?.. You mean the fictional character known as God? One must wonder about a person that believes in fictional characters and also – isn't HATING what your God is supposedly against – with love thy neighbor? Typical religious hypocrite. Religious zealots/fanatics are a bigger danger to the country than Democrats and Republicans combined.
Wait a sec... didn't B. Palin get pregnant and have a child out of wedlock:? Yet she is saying she will not have sex out of wedlock in the commercial?
I'm not surprised at all really. She learned well at the feet of her grifter mother. Spouting hypocritical drivel like this is exactly in character.
It's art imitating life. They obviously turned the phones off on Brandy's line. I had friends and family calling from New York, Virginia, Georgia and Texas, but the phones lines were either busy or down. I got a recording that the voting had closed for my time zone when the show was still on. African Americans can never get a break; even when they are the most talented or educated. America is in denial about racism the same way they justified slavery.
Let's chronicle this girls achievements.
She gets knocked up under mama's roof, she is rewarded by America with speaking engagements at $40k a pop.
She is further rewarded with reality show.
Gets on DWTS, cannot dance to save her tea party pushes her to final at the expence of others better and more hard working.
What message is America sending to our children?Where is the reward for bad behavior? Even the mother. Calling the President a monkey! Is it that in America all you need to succeed is be white?
Look at her predecessors: Snooky, Situation, Paris Hilton and the list goes on.
To add insult to injury, Carrie Ann jumping off her seat going crazy just to leak the ass of Sarah Palin! How disgusting.
Call a spade a spade. It is sacrillegious for Bristol to be in the finals and Brandy to be out. Her pasidoble was a joke. All she did was show he frumpy thighs and move clumpily all over the stage. This drew a shameless 'jump up and cheer from Sarah Palin's in house cheer leader Carroe Ann.
It is an all around shame I do declare.
@Dan: I thought that the Almighty doesn't hate anybody or anything. I think it's you who hate, and your misguided hatred will put you in Hell along with your fellow bigots and self-righteous hypocrites. I thumb my nose at you sir, because you are obviously displacing your own self-loathing at the rest of the world.
The 3 Dacing with the Stars Judges continue to look shocked as Rick Fox, Kurt Warner, and now Brandy get voted off the show. They have no one to blame but themselves as they continue to score Bristol 8 or even 9. For 11 Seasons a dancer with her talent is scored 5 or 6 at best. Don't blame the voters....shame on you Judges'!
Its sad that the conservative party has hit DWTS. ABC should right the wrong. there is no way Bristol Palin should still be there. She cannot dance and she looked just as shocked as everyone that was there and watching the show. Facebook was abuzz last night. We are calling for a boycott of ABC next Monday. Politics has no business there. I feel bad for Brandy because she is the victim of this.
My daughter and I love watching DWTS, but last night was a shocker! I'm am so disappointed that Brandy was eliminated. I thought you didn't get eliminated because you were the best dancer not because you tried the hardest or showed the most improvement.
@Randall of Texas: I understand your anger, however the Almighty hates homosexuality and abortion and this country thumbs their noses at him, and one day we will pay for this immorality.
I am not a political party person in anyway shape or form .... but having a political party behind a certain dancer is no different than having sport fans behind an athliete, or music fans behind a performer. When it gets down to the end – that is what this whole show is about – fan base – it does not mater where the fans come from it is who voted. If Brandy or any other of the other ones had a huge fan base they would still be in it. I can remember one episode that the final two – one was and athliete and the other was a teen TV idol and the teen idol was the better dancer but the athlete had the bigger fan base and won. I have most of the eposodes and no one has complained about where the votes came from until now – give me/her a break. If you don't like the way they are voted on then don't watch it – plain and simple.
did we forget DWTS had Tom Delay on there last season? And then had Palin in the audience pre-election? That's not a conspiracy, that's reality. Now all those murder shows that attempt to indoctorinate us into thinking horrific violence is entertainment-now that's a consipiracy...lol
There is no other News? just flipped back from Fox – another interview with the Prince and Princess? No update on the first ladys wardrobe or interview with some one from the comedy channel?
Wait a minute. Are you telling me conservatives will repeatedly vote for someone who is clearly, totally, transcendentally unqualified simply because they think that person is just like them? You jest.
As do these fine, articulate Interweb characters:
http://hillbuzz.org/2010/11/15/bristol-palin-dancing-with-the-stars-watch-thread-4/
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2623885/posts
http://palintwibe.blogspot.com/2010/11/politics-and-prizes-are-conservatives.html
It's a typical CNN/Carol Costello story. CNN (and Costello) has to be the partisan network (and reporter) on the airwaves – bar none. Every story on every show on CNN is slanted to constantly ram the liberal agenda down the throats of American at every opportunity they can. This "story" ranks right down there with the story about "royals" getting married. Don't Americans realize that the MAJORITY of the british population hates America/Americans and still Americans flock to these types of stories like moths to flames.
OH... the good ol' days when CNN actually reported news......
The DWTS controversy surrounding Bristol Palin just goes to show that Americans have turned politics into a pathetic popularity contest, and merit no longer has anything to do with either political elections or a televised dance-off. Having watched Obama dancing in India, I can say with some certainty that he might be the only dancer in America with less talent than Bristol Palin.
The issue goes beyond which voting faction watches which shows. It also goes beyond the idea that "Bristol's" fans have voted for her. Multiple conservative websites, including websites specifically set up in support of Sarah (not Bristol) Palin have rallied their followers to cast votes for Sarah Palin's daughter even if they have not seen the show. The websites have also posted details about the glitches in ABC's online voting system and give instructions so that Tea Party supporters can stuff the virtual ballot box, with one poster boasting that he had cast 300 votes for Bristol. This is not a non-issue by any means. The purposeful flood of votes has allowed Sarah Palin to appear repeatedly on national prime time. Her message is hardly subtle: In just the last time, she managed to mention both the American flag and God, twice, specifically God's part in her daughter's repeat performances. The idea that mass popular entertainment could be exploited by ideologists and political partisans used to be only the nightmare of novels.
Moderates independents are the ones who expect crossing the aisles – not partisan conservatives and liberals. Since lobbyists don't represent moderate independents and both parties are giving moderates the boot, we have become more partisan as a nation. Put the correct party label on Osama bin Laden would get him votes. Meanwhile, ABC is more at fault for the situation on DWTS – not Bristol. I've been watching since season 2 and we taken up ballroom dance because of the show – but count me as one who stopped watching two weeks ago.
The public runs two things: government and education – and both are a mess. Consider the DWTS voting as just another example that the public doesn't know what it's doing.
Say what you may, but this is a frightening wake up call to us all!! I feel the DWTS'S agent has been bought behind scenes, paid very well, and that is why were seeing what were seeing. The interviews are becoming quite evident of the pay up!! This is not about "Bristol" this is about "you got it...Sarah Palin!!" Bristol is just her puppet on a string and dances like one!!
Modern Family favored by the Republicans? Give me a break. A gay couple with an adopted asian baby. I think your research is flawed.
I think that we have politicized everything these days, and it's unfortunate that we are so polarized as a nation. I don't watch "Dancing with the Stars", but I do watch "Modern Family", "30 Rock" and "The Big Bang Theory". I guess by most standards, I would be classified as a democrat. I hope that at some point we can get over the minutia and get on to the matters that affect us as a nation in a bipartisan manner.
I can hang out with your program, minus all of the partisan politics. when you can't tell where the news correspondent's political views stand, it's all the more worth watching
I was shocked to see Bristol remain in the competition and Brandy –who was obviously he best dancer of the two, voted off. It would be different if Bristol had any talent at all. Brsitol should be ashamed that her cumbersome, stilted and lack-luster performances are still being broadcasted for all to see. And shame on the viewers who voted for her despite her disastrous performances. They are doing her a great diservice keeping her in the public eye.
PS. She dances like a Mama Grizzly!
I am qualified to hate my country as I'm a Vet. I hate those that have votes to decide our laws. Factions are killing America.
All I can say is... Ridiculous! People don't watch entertainment TV because of their political views, they watch it to be entertained! I'm a Democrat in North Texas, where I'm surrounded by Republicans and we find many TV shows and movies that we commonly like and enjoy talking about.
The fact that CNN is choosing to put this story on national News is politicizing this topic... I mean how often has CNN done a story on Dancing With The Stars!!
I am a lifelong democrat but I don't watch the "democratic" shows. I have never watched Dancing With The Stars and I NEVER will! On the other hand, we DVR The Big Bang Theory every week! We're not partisans, we're just individuals!
I hate Republicans and what they stand for.
Gee...I'm not the right party affiliation to watch Dancing With The Stars but I've watched it since the first season...and I'm voting for Bristol! Yes, I'm one of those who are keeping her there...because I like her...because she is doing something I wish I could do. I admire her for getting out there and dancing and doing the great job she's doing. I never realized that tv shows dictated which party one belongs to...the shows listed that Democrats watch...well, I've never watched any of them! And yes, I'm a Democrat! Where do people come up with this stuff? Why does everything have to have a political slant anymore? I work for a non-profit organization that helps the developmentally disabled...I suppose I'll find out one day that even my job has a political slant!!! Wow...it's amazing!
So now politics and prime time tv are an issue...I think its an issue becuase Bristol Palins mom is not a democrat.
if you got as worked up or paid as much attention to how your reps are voting......
I agree that we should be able to enjoy the show as one nation, but isn't it partly CNN's fault for airing this kind of story and giving it the publicity it is begging for?
I think the show is fixed & bristol will win....but what u gonna do huh
This is so silly. I am conservative yet am a big fan of your "democratic " shows (except Dexter). If shows don't want the public to vote for who they want – whatever the reason, then don't offer voting. I agree on the "slow news day" comment above. Why even cover something like this?
CBS sure seems to be taking partisanship to a new level. Just before the elections the story line for NCIS, one oftheir top rated primetime shows, was about a right wing terrorist orginization that used a Tea Party banner as an emblem. In another example, on CSI the theme of the show was how Big Oil was polluting the water table with a process known as "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing. The show never mentioned that the pollution was only a theory as there have been no confirmed instances of ground water pullution from fracking to date. Fracking is the latest scare tactic used to promote green energy at all costs
I don't know who or where this "article/story" was made up but I seriously doubt there is any merit to it and even if there is – who cares? Sounds like a slow news day to me.
Dismay and complaints about Bristol Palin still being in the competition stem from the fact that she is historically the worst dancer to ever make it to this point in the show. As a former professional dancer and a dance instructor I have always enjoyed this show. But no longer. ABC should never have put Bristol on the show – she is not a star in any arena, her mother is a polarizing political figure. This casting was evidently done for ratings. I do not blame Bristol, but blame ABC, the producers of this show and the judges who consistently gave Bristol higher marks than they have ever given any other contestant with the same amount (or lack of) dance ability. Simply stated – the girl can't dance. I am now a former viewer of this show – all the fun has been taken away.