Christine O'Donnell and the rise of cable TV politics: Why we're responsible

[Commentary] During the past 18 years, frequent talk show guest and current "tea party"-backed US Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell has made a lot of statements -- such as denying the separation of church and state in America -- that I consider ridiculous. But she and I are on the same wavelength about one subject: why people like her are able to use TV as a springboard to fame.

Having worked on both sides of the camera, I know why news producers are attracted to ambitious, compelling, even zany characters: Viewers enjoy the show and a big audience brings good ratings. Unfortunately, ratings rule in TV and if guests like O'Donnell can pump up ratings (and possibly get elected to the US Senate) don't expect changes soon. Critics of the system have my support, along with this advice: Leave the producers alone. They're already hard at work on an upcoming segment.