American Idol Pays Tribute to...Barack Obama?

Is it possible to turn on the TV today without being told how wonderful Barack Obama is?

Apparently not, for on Wednesday’s American Idol – yes, the nation’s premier musical competition – the Commander-in-Chief was gushed and fawned over like a rock star (video follows with transcribed highlights and commentary):

Contestant Elise Testone was working on Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” the song Obama – to much jubilation by his fans in the media – sang a chorus of at the Apollo Theater in January.

Guest artist/mentor Will.i.am predictably said to Idol stalwart Jimmy Iovine, “Did you see Obama do it on the internet?”

“I mean, they should have a sing off, ” continued Will.i.am. " They should do it together.”

Without further ado, a video clip of Obama singing “Let’s Stay Together” was aired with Testone in split screen next to him doing an impromptu duet.

In an election year?

Now, the reality is this should be wholesome, brainless fun, right?

But for eight years, the media bludgeoned Americans with how awful President George W. Bush was.

This man couldn’t mow the lawn at his ranch in Texas without being criticized for doing so.

Now, you can’t turn on a musical competition - in an election year! - without images of how marvelous the man in the White House is.

Can’t Americans spend a couple of hours watching television with their families without having propaganda about the president jammed down their throats?

Is that really too much to ask?

Apparently so.