Dartmouth government courses don't teach how to start a fire and ingest insects, but Keith Boykin '87 found one reality show where a government degree proved useful.
The Dartmouth graduate is currently appearing on Showtime's "American Candidate," a reality television show where contestants try to prove themselves worthy presidential candidates by facing a series of challenges modeled on the travails of a real political campaign.
Boykin, a former staffer on six Democratic campaigns and aide to former President Bill Clinton, lost his bid for the imaginary presidency in episode seven but remains on the show as the running mate of candidate Malia Lazu. Viewers can vote for Boykin's ticket during the upcoming episode, airing Sunday at 9 p.m. on Showtime.
The reality television show began with 10 candidates of various backgrounds and political views. Since then, one person has been eliminated each week.
Boykin described American "Candidate" as "an intelligent reality television show."
"It's not like we're out on some deserted island eating bugs," he said.
Though he has many motives for appearing on the show, Boykin said his primary goal was to raise issues that normally don't come up in presidential politics.
"You rarely see people who represent the diversity of America," said Boykin, who is black and openly gay.
He hopes the show will inspire young people to get involved in politics.
"I can't tell you how many millions of people voted in 'American Idol,'" Boykin said. "Young people are eager and interested to vote, but they need something to vote in."
While a professor at American University, Boykin noticed students' frustration with politicians overlooking young people's issues. He suggested that politicians don't pay attention to young people because of notoriously low turnout among younger voters.
Boykin agreed to do the show last May, when the producers suggested that it would help promote his third and upcoming book, "Beyond the Downlow: Sex & Denial in Black America."
At Dartmouth, Boykin served as editor-in-chief of The Dartmouth and competed in track and field. Upon graduation he was awarded the Bartlett Cup, given to the most distinguished student in each departing senior class.
He went on to graduate from Harvard Law School and work on various political campaigns, the first being Michael Dukakis' unsuccessful presidential bid.
After working on six campaigns, Boykin served as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Specialty Media for Bill Clinton.
Boykin hopes the Dartmouth community will support his ticket by voting on Sunday.