NEW YORK CITY -- Voter turnout for the Fox TV network's American Idol reality show is higher than the expected turnout for the US presidential election in November, the network said on Tuesday.
    "American Idol really is the premier American franchise. Everyone has the right to participate!" spokesman said in a conference call with reporters.
    Some have suggested turning the race for the presidency into a reality TV show to boost its ratings. "Reality TV is so compelling because the emotional struggle seems to real to views," said Johns Hopkins political science professor Erma Bellamy. "A 'Reality candidacy' would be exciting because it would bring America into America's living rooms."