fair weather fans.
This analogy is the depressing one. We have a lot of people who look on politics as a sport. You have the favorite team, believe in its chances, root for it out of emotion and, for the most part, turn on the tube on game day and wait for the outcome. Actually, professional wrestling is the most apt comparison, imo.
The word "fan" = spectator. It implies a process over which the fan has little direct control and is merely an observer. It's pretty clear, that while US fans are allowed to pick a president every 4 years, or a congressman or senator, we have little power initially to influence the selection of "choices."
Personally, I like to look at politics like a company. I am technically the CEO, or at least a Board member. The president and congressmen are not stars, royalty, celebrities, "above us," our betters, etc. -- they are my ****ing employees. I want them to do the job that best promotes my corporate goals. They have to save money and spend wisely and work hard. If they don't they should be fired 4 years down the road.
However, the current political affirmative action system means I have to hire someone that I personally don't want to hire. There may be a lot of highly qualified candidates out there but they are never allowed to fill out the employment form and get an interview.
A variety of guys may actually be able to get into the race, but only certain ones are given the party support, funding or media attention to make it to the finals. Look at the debates. The second tier guys are treated as an afterthought. Their accomplishments in the campaign are under reported. Their debate time cut compared to the anointed. The are dismissed by thought leaders in the media and punditry out of hand. They are there for window dressing, though they can stick around long enough to be a spoiler here and there.
The front runners are part of a uniparty in this election, and I even contend that the differences between a Bush and a Gore, Kerry or Clinton are not all THAT far apart. Bush Senior as well. Rudy and Hill-o-Bama -- Rudy could be a Democrat as easily as a Republican.
At least they still find it necessary to go through the motions every 4 years.
Charon