The 2008 presidential field at-a-glance

[AGDee]

See, and I don't necessarily blame the DNC either. Why MUST we have such an early primary? It's our fault that Iowa and NH had to move theirs so far forward too. I think it's ridiculous that we choose our candidates so far in advance of the conventions. It sounded like it was good in the "olden days" when you actually found out who the candidate was going to be DURING the convention. Now it's a big deal if they wait til then to announce the VP candidate.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by AGDee

See, and I don't necessarily blame the DNC either. Why MUST we have such an early primary? It's our fault that Iowa and NH had to move theirs so far forward too. I think it's ridiculous that we choose our candidates so far in advance of the conventions. It sounded like it was good in the "olden days" when you actually found out who the candidate was going to be DURING the convention. Now it's a big deal if they wait til then to announce the VP candidate.

I like the idea of a rotating primary system where it's set up so that different states get to be earlier each election. (And Iowa/NH/SC can still go first if that's oh so necessary, I've seen models that do both) Then we could all stop playing the "I'm moving MINE a day earlier" "No ME" "No ME!" game.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I like the idea of a rotating primary system where it's set up so that different states get to be earlier each election. (And Iowa/NH/SC can still go first if that's oh so necessary, I've seen models that do both) Then we could all stop playing the "I'm moving MINE a day earlier" "No ME" "No ME!" game.

I would like to see the primary system go even one step beyond that.
Set up rotating groups of sectional/regional areas.
Would save money and increase the time candidates are in a given area.
This would never happen.

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by jon1856

I would like to see the primary system go even one step beyond that.
Set up rotating groups of sectional/regional areas.
Would save money and increase the time candidates are in a given area.
This would never happen.

Yes, even though it's utopian, it's a good start. I'd like to add having 5 Super Tuesdays of 10 states each to your model - held every other week.

Also utopian is having ONE six-year presidency, instead of a four-year term, defined by running for reelection for two of those years - but I'm all for it.