Michaele and Tareq Salahi, who are well past their 15 minutes, appeared before the House Committee on Homeland Security yesterday and took the 5th, which protects against self-incrimination. The world will have to wait to hear exactly what they crashed and when they crashed it. Though we already know most of the details — the Salahi’s told us months ago on their Facebook page.
Reality TV has given us real housewives, wife swaps and biggest losers. Finally, the whole genre may have jumped the shark right here in DC. The Salahis hadn’t even finished auditioning for Bethesda-based Half Yard Productions when they pulled off the ultimate reality-show stunt. By gate-crashing a White House State Dinner, one can just hear the director behind the camera: “You got the part, baby!” Now comes news of a third crasher… Salahi friend Carlos Allen, a D.C. “party promoter!” With all these shenanigans at that first State Dinner, it’s a wonder Indian Prime Minister Singh didn’t run screaming — “I’m a Dignitary — Get Me Outta Here!”
Last month, in response to the ‘party crashers,’ an outraged Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.) wanted to know what GE’s Jeffrey Immelt knew and when he knew it. After all, he attended the State Dinner as a confirmed guest, and in an awkward twist, the reality TV show for which Michaele and Tareq Salahi were auditioning, “Real Housewives of D.C.,” is produced by Immelt’s Bravo network. Watson, who chairs the Congressional Entertainment Caucus, called for a sweeping review of “the conduct and ethics of reality television in general.” This, from a woman who once praised Fidel Castro as “one of the brightest leaders I have ever met.” With words like that, she shouldn’t stand in judgement of reality TV, she ought to be on it!
Nary a peep has been heard from Congresswoman Watson and her reality TV investigation lately. Perhaps Democrats realize they have bigger problems than reality TV.
D.C. is rarely featured in reality television. Its official image tediously plays out on television every night in households across America. All political spin, prepared speeches and carefully choreographed sound bites; not the unscripted, spontaneous train-wreck fare familiar to reality TV audiences. But ‘official’ Washington provides an unmatchable reality show backdrop. Imagine Survivor’s Jeff Probst hosting a show where a handful of lawmakers get voted off Capitol Hill each week. All the makings of histrionics worthy of an Emmy!
In a distressing quest for fame, the Salahis did what any respectable reality TV star would do and threw common sense right out the window, sashayed uninvited through the door, and hobnobbed with the leader of the free world. Respect and restraint are words completely unknown in reality TV — so Michaele, acting as a true desperate housewife, posted her White House exploits all over her Facebook page. Perfect!
Ironic that the official entertainment for Obama’s first State Dinner was none other than reality TV star Jennifer Hudson. Having been booted from “American Idol,” Hudson went on to receive an Academy Award. Sometimes reality TV stars aren’t always the biggest losers –Hudson’s “Idol” appearance launched an acting and singing career.
For their part, the Obamas don’t seem to have any problem with reality TV. Hosting a White House “Iron Chef” competition for the Food Network that aired just last week, Michelle Obama became the first presidential wife to appear live on a reality TV show. “The Naked Chef,” Jamie Oliver, served the Obamas while they dined in London at the G-20 last year. The First Lady’s hairstylist, Johnny Wright, inked a ‘docu soap’ reality show deal. Even the winner of Obama’s “Health Care Reform Video Challenge,” Eric Hurt, was a contestant on the trashy reality show “Temptation Island.” (More Fun Facts: one of MTV’s “Real World DC” cast members was an Obama delegate).
So, reality TV has finally come to roost in the nation’s capital.
A Salahi storyline would likely be a ratings and publicity bonanza for Bravo’s “Real Housewives” franchise; that is, if someone doesn’t wind up in jail over the whole thing. But wait – that could make a good episode too. To be sure, a weekly show featuring the Salahi’s would only create an ongoing headache for a White House eager to move on from ‘Gate-Crashers Gate.’
So, will the Salahi’s star in the new season of “Real Housewives of DC?” Stay tuned, the series could debut as soon as this spring.
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