John Dean's prescription for fixing the primary process

[kpete]

Fixing the Broken Presidential Nomination Process
by John W. Dean | January 11, 2008 - 9:16am
— from FindLaw

Only those living in caves, or maybe more interested in the travails of Britney Spears, are unaware that the presidential primary and caucus season has arrived. As one who has followed this quadrennial event closely for many years, I find that it never ceases to amaze that rather than simplifying this process - not to mention making it less expensive - with the passage of time, we have done just the opposite. In the larger scheme of problems, the broken nominating process is certainly not our most serious. Yet the failure to resolve it is indicative of the attitude of today's political leaders.

This year, some thirty-four states will determine their presidential nominee before March 1; in 2000, by comparison, only eleven states took such action so early. Everything has been front-loaded and compressed. The process may well exhaust the candidates, not to mention the voters. Given the current system, moreover, few Americans will actually interact with the candidates before the process has ended.

Both major parties' inability to fix this fundamental problem should call into question their ability to govern. It is a very bad sign that a matter as basic as nominating presidential candidates has been turned into a contest of money-raising and organization. Such a contest surely does not translate into effective governing (as Bush and Cheney have proven).

The sad truth is that political parties care little about American voters and the democratic processes. One needs to look no further than the insane primary schedule for 2008.

much more at:
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/12074

[lyonn]

1. Insane Primary schedule, exactly

To quote an old express, we are bought and paid for. My favorite was Biden and he didn't have a chance. Even Edwards, barely behind the top two, barely got honorable mention by the media. Maybe we were always bought and paid for and I was too naive to know it? Like many, I will sit back and read, watch and know that the bottom line is not up to you and me, it's the big bucks.

[bdamomma]

6. it is all about who has the most wins, could you imagine if

Bloomberg throws his hat in, he's worth 22 billion dollars.

[lyonn]

9. On election day I will vote Dem, but,

for the moment have lost my enthusiasm.

[TahitiNut]

8. All you have to do is compare media coverage of Fred Thompson to John Edwards.

Are they biased much??? Gawd!! :puke:

[robbedvoter]

2. Exhaust the voters? How? We only get to vote once! How idiotic!

I for one I am glad to have my vote matter for a change. Last time, Iowa decided the primaries (or rather, the media in his living room just prior to it)Everyone who thought was in the race after that meeting was deluding themselves.
How about one day for ALL primaries? Equal vote for all?

[UTUSN]

3. Oh. Thought it was "HOWARD". That's who we need to hear from. n/t

[SoCalDem]

4. My plan is easier..

PUBLIC financing ENTIRELY..for ALL..

In November of the pre-election year:

Top democrat & top republican alternate drawing numbers from 1-6 from a box/bag/envelope



In January, all "interested" parties, submit their names..

in every major media market, special channels on TV give each candidate an hour per week to lay out their proposals..SOLO...

NO PAID TV ADVERTISEMENTS ALLOWED

Regional primaries held in order ..one per month, starting in February..

It would all be over in July....and the two candidates would then debate during August..

conventions held in September

Easy as pie

.........

When November cames around, a separate ballot for the nationally held offices would be given to all voters.. congress/senate/president (see below)

The other races & propositions could be voted for or against on any vapor voting machine they chose.

No lobbyists necessary (or ALLOWED) with my plan.. The money needed for travel and posters & mailers could certainly be paid for through ordinary donations from their supporters.

[Jane Austin]

5. I like your plan!

A lot.

[Junkdrawer]

7. I like it...

:thumbsup: