i would say that the final American Idol 2008 show was an exercise in cynicism. The accounting firm's gold embossed, Academy Award imitating, certification is simply of a count --- not of the authenticity of this measure of public will!!

As I will try to indicate, our notion of fair election (however inaccurate) is preconditioning us to believe that this really is a popular measure of perceived talent, where each person who wishes to take the trouble can be counted. It is very unlikely that the result is a fair and accurate measure of the sum of individual beliefs about contestant talent.

For now, a list:

-The possibility of multiple dial-ins per customer, if interpreted --> the Idol is the measure of obsessive adoration not talent.

-The possibility of computer supported blasts (multiple submissions)--> The producers and contractors (and others, too, but their motivation would be unknown) can hire outsiders to influence the outcome -- yes, with a computer farm and no limitation to call-ins, even to the extent of 12 million votes -- to best conform to income maximization goals for Ford, Fox and record companies and producers.