Recipe For Success:

For weeks before the political party conventions air, I tape my favorite summer TV shows so I’ll have something to watch as stuffy politicians and reporters commandeer the airwaves. Thank goodness for TiVo!

My friend in the music business used to say, “Politics is show business for ugly people.” Well, not anymore. This television season of “As The Presidential Race Turns” is nothing short of brilliant reality TV. Forget those stacked up episodes of “Starship Atlantis” — this year, I can’t miss a minute.

An underdog candidate coming from nowhere to lead the Republicans, a handsome black senator speaking in a stadium with pyrotechnics that rival a Kiss concert, add some intriguing women, the obligatory sex scandal, throw in a natural disaster like a hurricane, and voilà! An award-winning script guaranteed to keep audiences glued to their seats.

Politics has gone Hollywood in a big way. Sure, movie stars have always been part of the political scene, stomping for their favorite candidates, but this year it’s the candidates who have reached celebrity rock star status.

Have we created the political spin-off of “American Idol?” The past 18 months has been the perfect blend of winners, losers and crazies to ensure good television.

Rev. Wright was to this political TV season what Paula Abdul was to the last season of Idol. Characters you love to hate, keeping you wondering: Who’ll win the hearts of the American viewers this week?

And like any good script, the heroines are the most interesting. Hillary: the woman who sung a new song and trailblazed for women while her ego-driven husband unwittingly contributed to her undoing. So close to the prize, only to be the biggest loser. In a surprise plot twist, her party passes her over.

A gal from the rival team has a good chance of becoming the first elected female vice president in U.S. history. In the next election cycle I’m hoping for the sequel, “Hillary vs. Sarah.” Who’ll be the last female standing? That presidential race would get huge ratings.

But let’s not forget the first lady pageant featuring the lovely Michelle Obama, stepping on stage looking like a thinner Oprah Mini-Me. The elegant Cindy McCain looking like a mature version of Barbie (had Barbie actually been real and aged gracefully). Both promising to do good work and promote world peace.

Like any good story, just when you think you’ve got the plot all figured out, from nowhere enters the most unexpected character. In a summer of blockbuster super hero movies, move over “Batman” — enter Sarah Palin. A smart, dynamic, gun-toting former beauty queen and governor/hockey mom able to reach the top of the political arena in a single bound. She just might be the scene-stealer of the season.

But is our version of Political Idol a recipe for success? Have we made a mistake creating superstars out of politicians? Are we in danger of missing substance and judgment in lieu of who’s producing the most extravagant show? We’ve helped fuel these characters. Are we electing true world leaders or slickly wrapped media packages?

BARBARA VENEZIA is the chairman of the Santa Ana Hts. Redevelopment Project Advisor Committee and was the co-creator of the cooking show “At Home on the Range” with John Crean.