Primaries on the Same Day

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Homo Erectus

Thanks MW. I certainly agree with the points made, but my feeling is that the irrelevance of the voters in the 30-odd states with primaries after Super Tuesday is a bigger issue than "building momentum" or logistical issues.

Not irrelevant this year esp.

Also you forget, you can still vote for the other nominees and thereby effect things at the convention. If Ron Paul gets 40% of the delegates, you are going to see a very different convention and a different platform than if he gets 2% of the delegates.

[NorCal Cat]

Originally Posted by Homo Erectus

Anyone know why the primaries are spread out the way they are? Why should states like New Hampshire and Iowa and Michigan have so much say in which candidates are chosen by their parties as our presidential candidates? If a guy like Fred Thompson or Joe Biden had significant support in the West, but lost big in the early primaries, he'd be toast, and feel heat to throw in the towel and endorse one of the front-runners. Why don't we have all the primaries on the same day? It'd be nice to know my vote had some ramifications as to who the presidential candidates end up being. Any thoughts on this?

I don't know, but it is pretty lame. They should rotate the order.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_...ential_primary

So there is no rationale. No reason for anything about the current system. It is merely tradition. Ok. Thanks for the insight.

We are talking about the rationale for holding primaries in certain states on certain dates. And yes, the reason is simply tradition. Why do you think New Hampshire is always going to be the first primary? Why is Iowa the first caucus? Why can't Michigan move its primary up ahead of Super Tuesday? Why did both parties penalize Michigan and Florida for moving up? Answer: tradition.

You are just trying to be confrontational, and I don't know why. If you had a point, it could be worth it. As it is, you are just back to trolling on your own board.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

there ought to be a lottery, where different states are moved up to the front every cycle.

but as you know, when there are entrenched interests and powers, things don't change. Look at the BCS and the bowls.

This process is not about getting the best president. It's making sure that the right palms are greased.

Entrenched interests and powers, things that don't change. Sounds like... tradition.

Guess why there isn't a lottery: tradition.