TV Personality Rowe an Ideal Political Candidate, by Columnist Ron Eachus
This election year it seems that not being in office, or even being a complete political novice, is how many candidates are trying to sell themselves.
It’s all about packaging and imaging in a contest to see who can be more American than the opposition, whose ability to understand and protect America is always to be doubted. Few are as good at using the folksy, anti-elitist, anti-incumbent, anti-government cards as Sarah Palin, who decided Fox News, Facebook and speaking fees were a better way to become a presidential contender than actually governing Alaska.
Using criteria similar to what she might apply to herself, and other political aspirants seeking rapid ascension to high offices, I’ve been searching for an alternative. One who isn’t in office but who really understands America and its values.
In that spirit I’d like to offer up Mike Rowe, the host of Discovery Channel”s “Dirty Jobs,” narrator for several other reality shows and advertising pitchman for some American companies like Ford. If we’re looking for someone who knows America’s perseverance and work ethic, it’s hard to find anyone as qualified as Rowe.
For five years on “Dirty Jobs” he’s been doing America’s “chores,” exposing himself to the everyday frustration, rewards and humor of jobs that need to get done. He hasn’t been telling the story of Wall Street but instead telling the stories of people doing the work that “keeps civilization going.”
But you have to show understanding for commerce, too. Rowe has it covered. He once hosted an QVC time slot. What better way to get a feel for the American commerce than through a home shopping network?
Being outdoorsy is as important as being mavericky. There are few places as outdoorsy as Alaska. If you like association with Alaskan independence and toughness needed to successfully confront nature in the quest for production, then Rowe has it as narrator of “Deadliest Catch,” which follows crab-fishing vessels in the Bering Sea.
Looks are important. Palin got a lot of initial attention because she was third in the Miss Alaska pageant in 1984. Rowe may not be a body-building hunk like one former political newcomer — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger — but he has a rugged handsomeness that meets TV’s visual appeal requirements. And his voice can match the quality Ronald Reagan had when pitching GE products as an actor or “morning in America” as president.
Palin played the flute for the Miss Alaska competition, but Rowe can sing. He can sing well, even the national anthem. I watched him do it on “Dirty Jobs” when he was a groundskeeper for a small city minor league baseball team. It was done with respect and professional vocal control. Turns out he was a singer, with the Baltimore Opera, no less.
So he can relate to the popcorn and Cracker Jack, take-me-out-to-the-ballgame crowd and to the dressed-up theater crowd as well.
Religious beliefs are important, too. I don’t know much about his, but from his mikeroweworks.com website I know he believes that “God created dirt, not cleaning products.” This is one of six “in Defense of Dirt” tenets he proposed to the Boy Scouts 2010 Jamboree.
Anyone who believes that “the willingness to get dirty is a fundamental requirement of civilized society,” that “a clean mind and a dirty body can walk around in the same skin” and that “honest work looks an awful lot like dirt” has a chance to get elected.
I have no idea what his politics are nor his political allegiances or what positions he would take on specific issues, but in today’s political environment, it seems as if he could be the perfect candidate. He doesn’t have any political experience; he knows how America works; and since he hasn’t held any office, he hasn’t given up on the job in midterm.
Singing the national anthem before a game and selling Ford trucks! What can be more American than that?
Ron Eachus of Salem is a former legislator and a former chairman of the Oregon Public Utility Commission. His column appears on Tuesdays. Send e-mail to re4869@comcast.net.
16 Comments
Mike Rowe should absolutely, positively, consider this! Politics are too corrupt? He’s too honest? He’s a perfect candidate! Think long and hard Mike. Its probably the ultimate “dirty job”. Your country needs you. I’ll help make calls. ROWE2012 USA!
These are important philosophical questions: Could Mike become THE MAN and still be an effective advocate for EVERYMAN?
How do we really know when something is true? How should we behave? Then, how should we govern? I prefer Mike where he is, but if he could help revitalize American politics, I’d give him a shot.
I don’t think there would be any doubt that a Mike would have a huge following and could possibly win. However, I am not sure if I would wish that upon anyone. There would HAVE to be a CLEAN slate in Washington to start from. Those pompus, smug, politicians looking out their high-rise windows at us need to go.
If you run Mike…sign me up. I’ll hit the campaign trail with you! In the meantime…keep working hard and smart.
Hey mike I was at the 2010 Jamboree this year and you were amazing.
But you shoulden’t try for the oval office or any office for that matter. However you should try to make the American goverment do the chores that you do each and every day. That might be a nother hit show.
And for the last question of your article.
Apple pie! and the BSA!
In response to Lisa;
“Perhaps if major changes took place in the circus of politics”
Those changes won’t happen on their own. Other than an all out civil revolt, I can think of no better way than to get an everyday American of integrity and honest character in office. Why not Mike? I agree with Jeremy, start on the state level. The change has to start from the bottom, from within. Otherwise that one person at the top is constantly battling the corruption within. I believe their are some good ones in DC, they’re just out-numbered by the scum.
Mike, DJ has always been a favorite family show in our home. You most definately have our vote!
Hey Mike, I would vote for you in a heart beat. If anyone is qualified to do the ultimate dirty job is Mr Dirty jobs. No one has seen our country the way you have, and I think someone like you is what our country needs.
I’m sold. We need men with integrity and grit. One less crook or cheat could be a nice change of pace.
Mike, you would be a godsend!
I would vote for Mike! America has enough politicians we need a man who knows how much work goes into making this country run, we need a man who has lived a normal civilian and Boy Scout life. WE NEED MIKE ROWE!!!!!!!!!!!
After reading that article, my initial reaction was to say, Amen! But Mike has too much integrity to be President. He should keep writing those letters though. He is quite the motivational writer and speaker.
Yeah. But, no.
Just because someone – in this here case Mike – has a way with the general public, it won’t mean he’d make a good politician. At best, I suspect he’d be a nice “front”, getting the voters hauled in while other people handle the actual political decisions.
The good politicians (yes there are some), spend years learning the quid pro quos of politics.
I think Mike is just where he’s supposed to be: raising awareness about the important issues most people have forgotten. I believe that is where he can do most good.
First Mike we need manufacturing bonds, just like the war bonds, our political leaders should be working for the tax payers, let them pay for there own retirement health care, most of them dont know how much is a loaf of bread, the money spent for war should be on our people.
You’ve got my vote Mike!
Jennifer
Why not?! Maybe not president, Mike, but maybe start out locally in your home state of Maryland and get a feel for it. What a great way to mainstream your thoughts, I say!
While I realize Mr. Eachus says all this with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek, we know it’s a grand idea!
As much as I admire Mike Rowe, I would lose respect for him if he ran for any government office right now.
Perhaps if major changes took place in the circus of politics, more honesty was inserted, and God put back in the government, Mike Rowe could be a good candidate for President.
I love my country, my freedom but have little faith in the people who run it. My Son is a Veteran at 23 years old. I try to live without the influence of political faces and try to be the most honest, good person I can.
If Mike were to run for office, it would ruin his reputation of the average guy who made good with an idea to bring back respect for the working people. Not because of his good intentions, but because of the media who would tear him apart.
Don’t do it Mike…
JMO
Lisa
Hey Mike – while I think this is a great idea conceptually, I can’t imagine you’d be stupid enough to seriously consider running for office. Unfortunately, our current situation does not provide a happy, safe arena for real people like you to actually run our country.
Still – it was a great idea and a great article. Kudos to Mr. Eachus.
Gregg