I remember when it was in all the newspapers, but I don't think it ever materialized.
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/new-fx-reality-show-nominate-american-presidential-candidate-643.phpNew FX reality show to 'nominate' American presidential candidate By Steve Rogers,
09/23/2002Reuters reports that inspired by the success of the Fox hit "American Idol," sister cable network FX is developing a reality show called "American Candidate" that will choose a "people's" nominee for president in 2004....
They will be looking for natural-born leaders among the ranks of ordinary Americans to take part in a made-for-TV campaign that Cutler said would test the openness of America's political system. The winning candidate on the show will then decide whether to mount a real-life campaign for the White House. If so, a series of documentary specials will be produced following the candidate through Election Day.
The process will begin early next year with a panel of experts choosing an initial group of 100 candidates from applicants who fill out questionnaires accompanied by videotaped pitches of why they would make a good president. Applicants also must submit petitions signed by at least 50 supporters from their community.
The 100 semi-finalists, two from each state, will be introduced to viewers on the first of at least 13 episodes, probably in January 2004, as the real-life U.S. presidential campaign is getting under way.
In subsequent episodes, each broadcast live from a famous American location, like Mount Rushmore or the Statue of Liberty, the candidates will compete in debates and other campaign-related contests in a game of elimination that will narrow the field to three finalists by the final show....
(more at link)