"Game of Thrones" is all about political power, so it seems fitting that HBO has launched a Westeros-themed election to promote the show's sixth season on digital HD.
"GoT" fans can vote for four candidates vying for the Iron Throne on the official campaign site: Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister, or Petyr Baelish. At time of publishing, Jon leads with 58% of the vote, with Daenerys in second place with 34% of the vote. Cersei is in last place, with just 3.1%.
Like any real political site, the fictional "GoT" one features each candidate's biography. The characters' platforms don't quite align with the real Democrat or Republican agendas. They even have a commercial spot with rousing imagery and music. Watch it below.
For example, Daenerys champions "female empowerment" and "rebuilding the dragon population." That seems to be a fit with the Democratic ticket: equality and environmentalism. However, "restoring her Divine Right to the Seven Kingdoms" -- via blood and fire -- is more militaristic.
Like Daenerys, Petyr's platform is more Democratic, seeking "small business growth" and "innovation in transportation." However, anyone who watches the show knows Littlefinger's agenda is completely self-serving.
Jon's platform includes "rebuilding the Night's Watch" and "preparing for the Long Night," echoing the Republican agenda of strengthening the nation's defense and a protracted battle against extremists and terrorists.
Even the dictator Cersi has some positives in her platform, including "family advocacy."
Of course, the results of the real presidential election are far more consequential, but some ardent "GoT" fans have already said they care more about #GoT2016 (the campaign's hashtag) than the actual election.
Certainly, "Game of Thrones" fans are far more engaged socially than either political party; the"GoT" Facebook page boasts 19 million followers, while the Democratic and Republican national parties have 1.3 million and 2 million Facebook followers, respectively.
And in case you think that pop culture and politics shouldn't mix, CNN already analyzed the power struggle in Westeros using their on-air "magic wall" back in May.
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