74,000 votes on American Idol, what does this say about the mindset of this great nation. Will we speak this?

No, because that would take caring about something other than entertainment and self-gratification.

America's low voter turn-out will continue, of that you may be sure, and crapola like American Idol make that crystal clear. People have their heads in the flickering box entirely so as not to see what's going on in the real world.

On a side note, the music on American Idol genuinely hurls chunks. How come none of the people on their can play an instrument, and what's with all those terrible songs. Are they supposed to be uplifting?

Over 115 million votes for last Presidential election with only one vote per person. Presidential elections far out vote American Idol.

No! The people watching American Idol are teenagers with little or no intelligence. When they do come of age to vote they will only do so for entertainment purposes. Beside what intelligent person would pay to vote? Only teenagers are willing to be screwed by the phone company. Maturity & intelligence go hand & hand. Teenagers have niether.

That speaks to giving 13 year olds the power of speed dial.

Yes we do need to get more people to vote. However, the analogy is a bit different as Idol fans can vote as many times as they want and there is no age restriction.

sIt says we have balance and we are versatile. Songs bring out so much emotion, music transcends ages. I hear those WWII songs and think about my parents before I was born, the old show tunes that my mom still loves and moves to. Watching American Idol had both my kids and me singing with Smokey tune's and Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

Also everyone in my family votes in every election, it is our privilege as well as responsibility. Smile a little, hum a little tune next time you are in a long line..

The percentage of eligibel voters participating in elections has risen, but I still think it's only 60% or even less.

An informed, participating citizenry is important to the success of our government.

All in all, I wish more people were better educated in our society, on a lot of things. I'll count myself in there, too.

Honestly, I hope not. Most people in America know nothing about politics, and I would like them as far away from the voting booths as possible.

That only says there are alot of losers in this country! If they had to actually leave their sofas, how many would have voted?

I must agree with mild_irritant above. Elections are much more immature than children's TV.

I don't know how you can comare a children's show to a national election.