Voting behavior is a major field of study for many reasons.

Voting behavior has always reflected the times and culture of America. In the last several years, voting has become reflective of America’s obsession with reality shows.

Reality shows dominate our televisions and references to them have become lexicons in our culture.

On reality shows, we “vote people off the island” or when they sing or dance their hearts out, we cruelly laugh at their talent and “vote them off” the show.

In 2008, the voters voted hundreds of well-respected Republican elected officials “off the island”. Clearly these people didn’t understand our needs and should be ashamed of themselves. Their talent was no longer needed.

In 2010, the voters voted hundreds of well-respected Democratic elected officials “off the island”. Clearly these people didn’t understand our needs and should be ashamed of themselves. Their talent was no longer needed.

In both election cycles, those who were voted “on to the island”, believed that the voters had sent them there with a MANDATE! “You understand the voters sent us here to change things, to change the way we do business.” The new residents of the island in 2010 believe that they were elected to reject everything the 2008 residents were trying to do.

Do you know what is really popular on reality shows? Reunion episodes. Bring back the most loved and most disliked players for another season.

In the current climate, I would recommend that all current elected officials keep this in mind. A “reunion” show may be in the works for 2012.

We’ll discuss more on this topic in the next few days.