Getting Late Early, Part 1: Primaries and Caucuses

In a year from now, Americans will be asked to decide who deserves to succeed George W. Bush as President of the United States (unless he decides to declare a national emergency and suspend the election. But let's leave that aside for now.).

This is the first time since 1952 that neither the current occupant of the White House nor his running mate is seeking re-election, which means that every Tom, Dick or Harriet has thrown their hats into the ring. Even late night comedian Stephen Colbert has jumped into the fray (meaning he needs something to do with a writers' strike looming besides selling his book), staging a fake campaign in South Carolina--that is, until the Democrats tossed him off their primary ballot.

Not a week goes by without some kind of debate (or joint appearance, if you prefer), poll, or some report on how much money the candidates have been raising and who's been giving it to them. Speaking of polls, right now they have the appearance of pre-season rankings in college football and basketball.

And here's why: The primaries are getting earlier and earlier. States that believed they were getting the short end of the stick in the nomination process (that is, the candidates' nominations have been locked up by the time they start campaigning in those states) have been rescheduling their primaries/caucuses weeks and months earlier than normal. This has led to what amounts to a national primary in early February, led by California. Florida got whacked by the Democrats for scheduling its primary for late January.

In retaliation, Iowa and New Hampshire--who apparently believe that being first in the nation is their birthright, and no one knows why that is--have moved theirs up even earlier. Iowa is holding its caucus just after the New Year, while New Hampshire wants to move theirs to next month.

The upshot of all this ridiculous leapfrogging is a yawning gap between the end of the primaries in February and the nominating conventions in August and September. That's six months, folks. You think you're sick of politics now? Just wait.

The situation cries out for reform of the nominating process, maybe streamlining it a little bit. With Congress and the country divided as it is, that's not going to happen.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the many attack ads that will be coming from your TV and your computer in the next year. It just doesn't get any better than this.