Primary Education Thread

[Explodo]

Ok Ladies and Gents, I've been watching the Primary dates move around, then I read loads of associated moaning and groaning about the implications of date move...

So help a fella out, I need a little education/background to understand why this is such a big deal.

Is it because the early states get to essentialy select the frontrunners?

[Bean Counter]

The Primaries are political events where the Parties come up with a nominee, and who goes first is important to the parties nationally, but may conflict with what the State party leaders had in mind.

Note that the States who are not toeing the line here are facing sanctions from the Political Parties, not law enforcement. There is nothing illegal about changing the date of a State primary or caucus, but there are consequences for defying the National party leadership.

It’s complicated....

[Designer]

"Is it because the early states get to essentialy select the frontrunner?"

Hardly. The early states do get to help mold the campaigns of some of the candidates, but select? No.

Remember all the supposed "early winners" who eventually did not receive the nomination?

Remember John McLame coming from behind to take the nomination?

[Explodo]

Ok...I get that...but it leads to the next question. Why is it important to the National Party?

[Bean Counter]

OK, I answered your first question, and now you want a mini seminar on Political Science. If you do not understand what is important to the National parties and why, then your need is well beyond the energy time and typing I would have to put in to explain it to you.

[smokingfrog]

Early primaries are the lead-up to Super Tuesday. It allows the candidates to refine their campaigns and get some name recognition. Weaker candidates will drop out if they can't get some momentum going. (Like Tim Pawlenty)

[subterfuge]

Why so dramatic?

The answer to the poster’s question is simple. The establishment Republicans along with big media want to be in control and put their guy in. As the 3rd largest state why should Florida wait until Iowans and New Hampshire have already (essentially) picked the nominee?

[Explodo]

No need to get ugly. I'm trying to figure out what harm can occur by moving the primaries up.

Reading the various threads dealing with this subject, a lot of people are worked up about the issue, but for the life of me I can't exactly ascertain why.

beancounter eh? So am I...go figure.