2008 Primary Season
There was a time in the “not-so-distant” past when a state primary election meant something. Voters were given a chance to meet and learn about candidates. All the announced candidates had an equal chance during the early primaries.
As the season wore on, some moved into the front while others faded away. The process was sound and sometimes provided very interesting stories. Remember Gary Hart’s campaigns in 1984 and 1987? Remember Howard Dean’s imploding chase for the nomination?
The disappointment in recent years is that nomination decisions are being made earlier. During my lifetime, I remember when the republican and democratic conventions were the places where the final decisions about who would run were made. Today, the choices are formed months before, even before the primaries have completed their cycle.
Unfortunately, we cannot turn back the clock. Such changes are part of the new world where we live. Communication is faster. We want our news faster. We move faster. If we could hold the election this November, we would. You know that candidates are ready.
The disappointment for me is how the primary season is changing. New Hampshire and Iowa used to kick off the season in late January and early February, while “Super Tuesday” played out during March. During 2008, Nevada will be moving their primary to match Iowa. South Carolina has moved theirs to match New Hampshire. Many other states have announced moves to those weeks as well, including Arizona, Delaware, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota and Oklahoma. Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina and Utah will be moving theirs up as well. Those still debating include California, Florida, New Jersey and Illinois.
As disappointed I am that all these states will be voting at the same time, I understand how no one wants to be left out. No one wants the decision to be made without their voice being heard. In my state, Illinois, the statement was made that we want to give candidate Barack Obama a boost. Moving the primary up from April to February will let their opinions mean something because by April a primary may be redundant.
That is why so many candidates have made announcements so early this year. They need a year to campaign before the nominations are decided next February. In 2008, the nominating process will go quickly, months before the conventions and eons before the November election.
Is faster better? No irony intended, but “time will tell”. Democrats need to be the most careful. A bunched up primary season may produce a candidate to whom they are not totally committed. Both parties need the time to sort through what is important to them and who is the best person to present the message. Unfortunately, that process must begin now and not in 2008.
After years of so-so candidates, let us hope that the next election produces candidates we can be excited about and support with fervor. Let us not ignore the process.
As the season wore on, some moved into the front while others faded away. The process was sound and sometimes provided very interesting stories. Remember Gary Hart’s campaigns in 1984 and 1987? Remember Howard Dean’s imploding chase for the nomination?
The disappointment in recent years is that nomination decisions are being made earlier. During my lifetime, I remember when the republican and democratic conventions were the places where the final decisions about who would run were made. Today, the choices are formed months before, even before the primaries have completed their cycle.
Unfortunately, we cannot turn back the clock. Such changes are part of the new world where we live. Communication is faster. We want our news faster. We move faster. If we could hold the election this November, we would. You know that candidates are ready.
The disappointment for me is how the primary season is changing. New Hampshire and Iowa used to kick off the season in late January and early February, while “Super Tuesday” played out during March. During 2008, Nevada will be moving their primary to match Iowa. South Carolina has moved theirs to match New Hampshire. Many other states have announced moves to those weeks as well, including Arizona, Delaware, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota and Oklahoma. Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina and Utah will be moving theirs up as well. Those still debating include California, Florida, New Jersey and Illinois.
As disappointed I am that all these states will be voting at the same time, I understand how no one wants to be left out. No one wants the decision to be made without their voice being heard. In my state, Illinois, the statement was made that we want to give candidate Barack Obama a boost. Moving the primary up from April to February will let their opinions mean something because by April a primary may be redundant.
That is why so many candidates have made announcements so early this year. They need a year to campaign before the nominations are decided next February. In 2008, the nominating process will go quickly, months before the conventions and eons before the November election.
Is faster better? No irony intended, but “time will tell”. Democrats need to be the most careful. A bunched up primary season may produce a candidate to whom they are not totally committed. Both parties need the time to sort through what is important to them and who is the best person to present the message. Unfortunately, that process must begin now and not in 2008.
After years of so-so candidates, let us hope that the next election produces candidates we can be excited about and support with fervor. Let us not ignore the process.
Labels: Politics
posted by Alexander Dimm | 6:35 AM
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