Fame Seekers Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin

Levi Johnston doesn't think he should be criticized for pursuing opportunities that are coming his way, or at least no more than his on-again, off-again fiance Bristol Palin. Levi Johnston appeared on CBS's Early Show Friday morning and pointed out that he is no more guilty of being a fame whore than his ex: "I don't think I'm any more obsessed with making a career out of this than [Bristol Palin] is," Levi said, "Obviously she's doing 'Dancing with the Stars.' I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with any of it. I'm just taking it as it comes."

Levi and Bristol's claim to fame stems from the 2008 Presidential election, when John McCain picked Bristol's mother, Sarah Palin, as his running mate, and shortly thereafter, it was announced that the then 17 year old Bristol was having a child with then 18 year old Levi Johnston. Their child, Tripp, will be 2 years old this December. Ever since, the couple have been in the news, both together and individually, for whatever they are up to, and they have been up to some pretty strange stuff. For instance, Bristol Palin became a paid public speaker for abstinence, which is kind of like hiring a second-story man to tell you how to protect your home from break-ins. Levi Johnston posed for "Playgirl" and he is often the more criticized of the two.

Bristol on "Dancing with the Stars"

But wait -- there has already been criticism about a Bristol Palin appearance on "Dancing with the Stars." "Showbiz Tonight with A.J.Hammer" spoke with Marc Malkin, columnist for 'E! Online' as to whether Bristol is a good pick for the show. Malkin said: "... Whether you love her or you hate her, you`re going to tune in. You`re going to want to see her. And "stars" - you know, it`s a word that`s used pretty loosely when it comes to "Dancing with the Stars." A.J. Hammer allowed that was true but pointed out that "usually people have fame on that show because of something that they have accomplished, not simply because they are the offspring of somebody else who was famous."

A.J. Hammer also noted that ABC says they will confirm or deny the Bristol Palin report on Monday, August 30. They are also expected to announce whether Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino ("Jersey Shore") and Audrina Patridge ("The Audrina Show") will be on "Dancing with the Stars." Again, these reality show celebrities are famous for their own endeavors, whether you like them or not.

Levi's Apology and Running for Mayor

Levi Johnston also said he only apologized to Sarah Palin recently because Bristol wanted him to. Obviously, he believes in his own remarks when he characterized Sarah Palin as "money-hungry" and "a diva." After publicly becoming engaged to Bristol Palin in July, the couple broke up shortly thereafter when Bristol said that Levi would rather be a celebrity than a husband and a father to their son, Tripp.

"I don't really regret anything," Levi said, "But the only thing I wish I wouldn't have done is to put out that apology, 'cause it kind of makes me sound like a liar. And I've never lied about anything.... The rest of the stuff I can live with."

As for running for the office of mayor of Wasilla, Levi thinks he'll make a good mayor, better than Sarah Palin.

"I don't think being mayor is about qualifications. I think it's about people liking you and believing in you," he said. He's currently filming his reality show, "Loving Levi: The Road to the Mayor's Office," and believes he has a genuine shot at becoming the next mayor of Wasilla in October 2011.

While many are viewing this endeavor as a joke, "Variety" says it's not as far-fetched as one might think. "... Wasilla's current mayor, lawyer Verne E. Rupright, won the seat in 2008 with 466 votes -- less than 100 from his nearest competitor, who received 373."

If he wins, Levi says, 'I'm going to have to give up Hollywood for three years."

I could be wrong, but I'd put his chances of winning at about the same as Bristol Palin's chances of winning "Dancing with the Stars."

Sources:
Variety: Levi's on the stump, (8/9/2010)
Showbiz Tonight (8/26/2010)
CBS News: Levi: Wish I didn't say sorry to Sarah Palin (8/27/2010)