But the other things don't cost as much. So campaigns would become less expensive, and the role of money would become smaller. This could make a big difference in the quality of our government. It could bring other benefits too. If we watch less TV, we'll avoid the nasty political ads that have become the common currency of political campaigns.
People often forget that the ugliness of politics today is largely a phenomenon of television.
In person, politicians usually try to be as nice as Mr. Rogers. To stop watching would be a good way to tell politicians that we are fed up with the mudslinging and character assassination, and the hired media hit-men. The whole tenor of the campaign season might improve. The best part is, there's virtually nothing to lose. Network television is nothing to write home about.