I really don't like primaries

[bluestateguy]

All primaries do is open up old wounds within the party and create opportunities for worsening already lingering internal divisions.

I like general elections. The real deal. The Main Event. The World Series. Primaries are like spring training to see who makes the cut. Nobody remembers spring training at the end of the season. They remember how the season ends, and who is left standing in the end.

[Justitia]

1. Primaries suck. It's way more fun when we ALL take on the repubs.

A small quibble 'tho - I think people do remember the primaries.
I still see divisions from '04, some nastiness really does linger.

[gateley]

2. What started the primary ball rolling so early this time? Who started it? nt

[Johonny]

3. money

Tax dollars in general goto states that have these early primaries. It's in part a money grab by states trying to increase their share of federal funding.

[KharmaTrain]

4. Would You Prefer The Old Method?

Having party bosses in smoked filled room decide? The problem isn't the primaries but the way they're operated. The season is way to long and its either feast or famine. I suspect the DNC will be making some changes for 2012 as this year's season has been a disaster. It's turned into an endurance race/reality show...where flash supercedes substance and its created its own cottage industry of full-time consultants and advisors and media creatures.

I propose several regional primaries held between April and July...rotating states each election cycle so that the choices are more representative of different areas. Primaries aren't the problem...the way they're currently being conducted are.