Steve Schmidt, Senior Advisor to the McCain campaign, questioned about a month ago, "Do voters want an American Idol contest for president? Is this supposed to be the political equivalent of Dancing With the Stars?" I agree with Mr. Schmidt. The candidates’ backgrounds and stands on the issues are what counts, but I find the personal stuff so darned enlightening.

As part of my odyssey in getting to know the Presidential candidates better, I decided to find out what they listen to. Plus, I wanted to figure out how their song choices would be rated on American Bandstand, if American Bandstand still existed (“Well, Dick, I couldn’t get into the lyrics, but it has a real catchy beat. I’ll give it a 7”).

Let’s review what’s on McCain’s and Obama’s iPods.

A few weeks ago, I wondered when the media was going to cover the important things in life. I wondered when they were going to start the Presidential Candidate human interest stories that help voters make decisions. You know what I’m referring to – the need to know information about the candidates and their personal lives, such as clothing choices, hairstyles and pets. I decided that since this imperative information was lacking, I would fill the vacuum.

All was well and good in my world: I had a topic (candidates’ pets), cell phone and lunch breaks at work.

Then I was scooped by the Associated Press. It snowballed from there. The story was picked up by other news outlets, including Entertainment Tonight. I was ticked. What would they scoop me on next? The candidates’ breakfast choices? How dare they!

After I calmed down (it took a while), I decided to proceed. So let’s discuss what really matters. Let’s review the Presidential Candidates’ pets. Here’s the rundown of both the Republican and Democratic presumptive nominees, along with some Third Party Candidates.

The S, it stands for Super, the U is for unique, the P is for perfection…

Supersonic!
Supersonic!

JJ Jab’s one hit wonder is often played at Seattle Sonics’ home games, with the Sonics Dance Team doing their best to invigorate the crowd. Now that Seattle is suddenly aware that yes, we could lose our NBA team, the chances are slim that “Supersonic” will be performed in this way again.

Shot in 1972 on location in Seattle, Cinderella Liberty is one of my favorite movies. Starring James Caan and Marsha Mason (who won an Oscar for her performance), the title comes from a Navy term for a shore pass which ends at midnight. I highly recommend this film. Rent it if you have time.

The reason why I enjoy Cinderella Liberty is that it’s not only a good story, it shows Seattle at the height of its blue collar, working class, Navy best. It shows the Seattle of Old – pawnshops and bars lining First Avenue, flophouses along the waterfront and the famous Green Parrot Club. Even the Sandpoint Navy base is intact in this movie, when it was hustling and hustling instead of crumbling. It also shows some Seattle of What’s Left – the bus station, the Seattle Center Ferris wheel, a section of Pike Place Market, and the skyline as viewed from the Bainbridge Ferry.