Politicians still standing

I've complained about comparisons of the Republican presidential debates to game shows. It's a lazy cliché used by pundits when they run out of fresh things to say about the endless string of debates.

But I can't help noting that NBC is preceding the umpteenth debate tonight with an episode of Who's Still Standing. After the grinding series of debates the candidates have started dropping through the floor. We're now down to the final four, and I'm looking for the speed round to begin shortly. Maybe we can get down to one nominee in a hurry.

Oh, enough of the clichéd comparisons that I used to complain about. Tonight was probably the second-last episode of Who's Still Standing. The show has gotten mixed reviews and mediocre ratings. Still, I like the fast pace and the cute exit gimmick, even if it was swiped from Russian Roulette.

Tonight's episode featured an intelligent central contestant who lasted through six rounds and took home significant money. The speed round among the four remaining contestants piled up twenty grand for the lucky winner, who chose to disappear through the floor. Too bad the show is apparently going down the hatch with him. Bye, as Vanna would say.