When Reality TV Is Stranger than Fiction

The Showtime reality series "American Candidate," set to air during the lead up to the U.S. presidential election, will follow a dozen people as they stage and manage a "virtual" run for the White House. Two of the show's contestants are lefty PR professionals - Bruce Friedrich, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' vegan campaigns director, and Lisa Witter, head of Fenton Communications. Friedrich said the show is an "opportunity to be a face for animal rights, for PETA, and for compassion for all animals." Witter, whose firm's clients include Air America Radio and MoveOn.org, said she will stress "affordable healthcare for all, improving the economy, fair taxes, strengthening education, protecting our environment."