Prolonged primary: hard for us, good for the process.

[ginnyinWI]

If partisans like us at DU weren't reading about the primaries day after day like the junkies that we are, this extended primary season wouldn't be making us so frustrated,impatient and crazy. Same thing with the media types who report on it day after day. They want something new to think about and talk about too, I'm guessing.

But for the average person who is going to work, worrying about bills, raising the kids, and having a regular life without paying attention to politics--that person has had just enough time, now, to notice what's going on and to decide to get a bit more involved. This "show" is not just a one-time special event, it's a long-running series! Might just be interesting to watch and see how it turns out, you know?

That's why we have to be thankful that it didn't get all wrapped up in February or March. To the average voter who's not paying attention, it would have seemingly come and gone in a heartbeat, and there would have been nothing for them to see or do until they would have to remember to vote in November. But this time they have had more time to get to know the candidates, and to maybe think about volunteering, or donating (Obama likes the small donors, they hear) and become personally invested in the process.


That, plus the incredible hunger that's been growing for a change from two terms of failure has been the reason for the high turnouts of the primaries. It's a good thing, really! Just a little while longer and we'll be ready to rock and roll!

[trixie]

1. I never could understand why anyone wanted to end the primaries

Should one part of the country not count? Just because we in Michigan blew it bigtime doesn't mean the rest of the country shouldn't have their opportunity especially since they followed the rules.

[ginnyinWI]

2. I've been wondering how MI and FL residents really feel about it.

If it were my state, I'd probably think something like, "oh well, at least I'll get to vote in the general election." It's frustrating but not the candidates' fault.

Yeah I agree--the process is set up to work this way, really. But in recent years it's taken a lot less time to win enough for the nomination so people get antzy. And before that, it was decided at the actual convention. Now we don't have the patience to let it play out that long (or the guts?) Too many vested interests.

It is great that each state can actually consider itself part of the process this year. But I'm sure there will be some tweaking of the rules before the next big election so that things like what happened in MI and FL won't happen again.

[marlakay]

3. If I lived in one of those states I would be pissed

at my state democrat party for causing all this by trying to go early. But it wouldn't keep me from voting in the fall.

And because everything is online no matter who you were for clinton or obama you could still make out of state phone calls for them so the people in those states could still be a part of who ever they like.

the only bummer is that no one got to know obama, everyone knows who the clintons are thats why it bugs me how she holds it up like she is big winner there, could be if he campaigned.

[trixie]

4. Yes we are pissed at the MIDEMS

but that has no bearing on the election. Too bad we won't hear, "FROM THE GREAT STATE OF MICHIGAN......" at the convention. By the way, Edwards had a chance too. Our "primary" was a complete wash. Less voters, not all the candidates...:rant:

[woolldog]

5. That's true.

It's making the Dems in every state feel important, it's getting them energized and involved in the process. that's definitely a good thing. I wish the campaigns would have focused more of their ire on McCain though. Better late than never, I suppose.

[TexasObserver]

6. If Hillary had not gone to using RW talking points and tactics, I would agree.

However, the good side of the ledger has been offset by the bad side of the ledger. We will be scalded in the fall when her numerous vicious attacks on Obama will be run by Republicans. Her comments about McCain being qualified and Obama had a speech in 2002 will be run over and over.

Her supporters are welcome aboard, but she's still a DINO who cross the line.

[FrenchieCat]

7. That how I saw it. Hillary made a choice, and it wasn't a wise one.....

but it isn't like that's the first time for her. She appears to make mistakes quite a bit.....over and over again, and doesn't see the "problem", or sees it, but still can't discern what to do instead.

[sandnsea]

8. The reporting is so sloppy

nobody knows what they're voting on anyway. But at least they feel enfranchised, so that's something I suppose.