The Democratic Primaries

The democrats have added Nevada and South Carolina to their presidential primary states. That will give three presidential primaries in January, 2008 and another in early February, and these four primaries are likely to determine the Democratic presidential nominee.

But January is too early in the political process to select a candidate. Back in the days of smoke-filled rooms and political bosses, candidates were not chosen, or at least confirmed, until the conventions. The Democrats would be better off to set May first or even June first as the earliest allowable primary. By that time the serious candidates would probably all be known and have their positions at least sketched out.

But a four-state primary schedule is better than a two-state schedule. It’s major advantage is that it will bring more people into the primary process, especially Hispanics in Nevada and blacks in South Carolina. One result of the four-state schedule is likely to be a major reworking of the election process. With the results of four primaries available, the country will have a better feel for the appeal of each candidate to a somewhat larger and more representative Democratic base. If all four states choose a different candidate, this will likely decrease the importance of the primaries and move the real electioneering to later in the political process. This should be good for the Democrats. If the Republicans follow suit, it will be good for them too, and for the country as a whole.