December 9, 2003
...on the 2004 Democratic Race: Average Joe.
On the same week that the "hot" girl picked the "hot" guy over the "average Joe" on NBC's TV series "Average Joe," former Vice President Al Gore picked the "hot," flashy candidate over the dependable, substantial one.
In selecting former Vermont Governor Howard Dean over Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman as his candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination, Gore chose a candidate who has proven to be a strong campaigner, but one whose substance and character are still in question.
In a sense, Gore made the easy choice, just like the "hot" girl did in this week's concluding episode of Average Joe. She picked the obvious choice, the front runner. In doing so, she spurned the guy who has demonstrated loyalty and other personal qualities of character.
Unlike Average Joe, where most of the audience undoubtedly was rooting for Adam, the bright but less attractive finalist, grass roots Democrats have slowly but surely been rejecting the low-key Lieberman and embracing Dean, the "hot" alternative.
Lieberman's early national numbers have fallen dramatically, and he seems to be basing his candidacy on a strong showing in Delaware and out West on February 3. Unfortunately for the Connecticut senator, politics is too much like TV and real life. Lieberman is one of the nice guys in the Democratic race and in all of politics. But that only confirms his role as the Average Joe.
And in the end, Average Joes don't get the girl...or, apparently, Al Gore's endorsement.