Noun
competition (real or figurative) for popular support
Source: WordNetTake our politicians they're a bunch of yo-yos. The presidency is now a cross between a popularity contest and a high school debate, with an encyclopedia of cliches the first prize. Saul Bellow
The presidency is more than a popularity contest. Al Gore
I think George W. Bush has a warm, engaging personality. But, you know, the presidency is more than just a popularity contest. Al Gore
I think politics in general are just like a popularity contest but McCain is just... old. D. L. Hughley
I don't care whether people like me or dislike me. I'm not on earth to win a popularity contest. I'm here to be the best human being I possibly can be. Tab Hunter
Ultimately the Emmys are a popularity contest. William Devane