During this reality TV era, led by a former reality TV host, could a reality TV show force us to actually talk to one another?

The longtime CBS hit show Survivor takes a handful of people each season, dumps them in some exotic location, and has them compete against each other each week with the winner taking a million dollar prize.

It rewards those with good social skills, athleticism and toughness, the ability to lie, and ruthlessness.

In other words, it’s just like a Reality TV Washington, D.C.

The concept of a political Survivor has already made the cover of the New York Post – twice.

So, if it works for the New York Post for two seasons, why not a real season of:

Survivor – Republicans vs Democrats

Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.

The game requires teamwork, even as behind-the-scenes alliances are secretly being made. Would all Republicans stick together against Democrats, and the other way around?

No way.

The game would force members of both teams to get to know one another, talk, strategize, and work together.

Something our current government cannot do.

In an interview earlier this year, Survivor host Jeff Probst said that a Democrat vs. Republican season doesn’t seem right at this time:

“A Hillary Clinton supporter would never align with a Donald Trump supporter,” said Probst. “People are so entrenched in their political philosophies.”

I totally disagree.

Having been around politics for a long time, and having been a Survivor fan since the beginning, I think the game is the perfect way to get both sides talking.

Forming alliances with tribemates is an intricate part of game play. Entrenched political philosophies will start to disappear quickly when the desire to win kicks in.

In fact, you could field a couple partisan teams for the next season if you wanted (political views based on their social media feeds only):

For the right: Colton Cumbie, Kelly Czarnecki, Terry Dietz, Ciera Eastin, Frank Garrison, Russell Hantz, Mike Holloway, Sarah Lacina, Laura Morett, Scot Pollard, Benjamin “Coach” Wade, Tina Wesson, Jeramiah Wood, and Pete Yurkowski.

For the left: Clarence Black, Gregg Carey, Sophie Clarke, John Cochran, Brad Culpepper, Sugar Kiper, Jenna Lewis, Leslie Nease, Shirin Osooki, Johnathan Penner, Shane Powers, Erik R, and Andrew Savage.

One thing is certain: If a reality TV show can help get America talking to one another again, even if it takes a cash prize to do it, we should all be for it!