[Jim Noble]

The "candidates" have been, for most of the past 40 years, actors chosen to play a role by producers who guard their privacy jealously.

The internet has opened up this process to a remarkable degree.

Poor little Marco. So eager to be somebody. "The new JFK". Seeing him melt under pressure almost makes you sorry for him.

Except that knowing what a weak reed he is makes one very concerned about who's behind the scenes doing the choosing, and why.

The "donor class". Imagine if Madison and Jefferson knew that, one day, there would be a donor class. They would have crowned Washington king right then and there.

[papertyger]

The "candidates" have been, for most of the past 40 years, actors chosen to play a role by producers who guard their privacy jealously.

Excellent summation!