Reality TV

With the writers strike, we saw all of the networks dump a bunch of reality (and game) shows on us to fill the void.
One reality show that caught my attention because it had everything bad about it and will therefore air only once was the Clinton-Obama Debate in Texas.
As we all know, all these shows are scripted and edited to make the show most interesting.
The Clinton-Obama Texas Debate has taken this to a new length.
First of all, only 200 people were invited and given tickets to the "event". Many of them are so disinterested that they have put their tickets up for sale on Craigslist.
Second, all of the questions have been given to both Clinton and Obama in order to rehearse their answers.
Third, in the event that they take questions from the "audience"; Clinton has planted specific people to ask specific questions of her in the "audience".
This show has all of the elements of great TV; intrique, drama, expert acting, a continum of outright lies, humor and even emotional moments. The show called "The Moment of Truth" requires the contestant to tell the truth. The Clinton-Obama debates requires the two "contestants" to outlie each other.
The problem is that the viewing public thinks that all reality shows (including this one) are real and that the contestants have not been coached or scripted in any way. The public thinks they're real.
Although it will air only once, I think many viewers will actually believe what they're seeing and hearing. That's what makes for great TV...if you can get the audience to believe that it's real.