Reply #16: MCain/Feingold forces that

[karynnj]

At the time the date was set, there was no thought that the nominee would definitely opt out of public financing. In 2004, Kerry had to stretch his $75 for 13 weeks, while Bush had to stretch his over 8 weeks. During the 5 weeks between the conventions, Bush could continue to use unlimited primary money. This was an enormous dilemma when the SBVT struck then - had Kerry spent a lot of money, he would have been less competitive in the final stretch of the campaign. He would now be blasted on Democratic boards for vainly wasting money on a issue people would have seen through.

As it is, the experience of 2004 and Obama's ability to raise money may preclude taking federal financing. We need more money as their echo chamber helps them for free. However, the date is already set.

On MI and FL, the Democrats really should have negotiated this better - even the Republican giving half the delegates would have led to reasonable primaries.