Can your TiVo season passes predict your political leanings? Possibly. I've often heard that the Jack Bauer kick-ass-take-names-fest that is 24 ranks as one of the most conservative shows, and one whose influence extends all the way into the military itself. (And whose stars also acknowledge the right-tilt.)

Now it seems there's a new show bucking for the crown of "Most Conservative"--American Idol.

According to this piece, while we watch folks sing for their suppers, the conservative values are thick. Hinging the argument on judge Simon Cowell, the author points out the Idol stage is one of the "few places left in American society where hard truth and unrelenting standards still intersect," continuing to say that "criticism is the key to improvement. Validation is the key to staying lousy."

The author's main point?

"The American people are hungry for the kind of conservative values like hard work, discipline and healthy competition that “Idol” rewards."

While the end is a little outlandish, "Simon Cowell is clearly the most important British contribution to Anglo-American civilization since the Magna Carta," it's an interesting take. Do you buy it?

(I also wonder if my line up of Jon & Kate Plus 8 and House Hunters shows a conservative interest in family values and sound investments...?)