Transcripts

"Commentary"-Reality TV In DC

SUSIE GHARIB: In tonight's commentary, money, power and reality TV in the nation's capital. Here's Maya Macguineas, director of the fiscal policy program at the New America Foundation.

MAYA MACGUINEAS, DIR. FISCAL POLICY PROGRAM, NEW AMERICAN FOUNDATION: At the end of a long day of worrying about budget deficits, W-shaped recessions and Fed exit strategies, I will admit that on occasion, I partake in that dirty little pleasure of watching reality TV. I know, you say that you don't watch it, but even so, trust me, your neighbors do. Bringing it closer to home, the "Real Housewives," the show that tracks rich and hoping-to-be famous women in various cities, is being filmed right here in Washington, DC. So what should we expect? Not Botox parties like the Orange County cast had. This is a city more about brains than beauty or at least people keep their plastic surgeries private. Nor will it be about conspicuous consumption like in the New York City series, even if Washington is the new Wall Street. We just don't have that kind of money and non-stop spending sprees would play poorly as the economy continues to limp along. The currency in Washington is of course power, but the truly powerful wisely don't want to do the show. Members of Congress, White House staff, Supreme Court justices and the media elite already have cameras trailing them; the last thing they need is more. And in DC, the truly powerful, they trade on relationships but they don't advertise when they do. They sprinkle their money around but they try not to look like they are buying favors or access. Some of the most important people are those whose names you've never heard of and that's how they want it to stay. So, as fun as I am sure the show will be to watch, it won't be a very good insight into the real power pockets of this city. Nonetheless, I can't wait for the show to begin. I'm Maya MacGuineas.