How would you design the democratic primary system for 08'

[Clarkie1]

The goal being, of course, to design the system so that a candidate emerges from the battle who has the best chance of winning in November 08...discuss

[chyjo]

1. Longer like they were in 1992

A longer primary that spreads out the 'super tuesday' states more So one candidate on a hot streat can't overwhelm everyone else. A longer primary season will help introduce the candidates to the general public, and will help quell the Republican attack machine for that much longer.

[American Tragedy]

2. Well, for once I would like to be able to actually vote in a primary

before the candidate has been selected. That would be a nice start.

[DuckFan4ever]

9. No doubt....

Having Iowa and New Hampshire pass on candidates for a rubber stamp is BS. Michigan and other states should have a much greater say. Seems like the races are over before Michigan even votes. That's unacceptable.

[liberal N proud]

3. We need to start identifying who will be the candidates NOW!

But the danger there is the rpukes will do everything they can to smear who ever looks like they are strong. Much the way they did Dean.
But we need to get a solid message started soon and keep selling it, not wait until 18 months out.

[janx]

4. No frontloading of the primaries.

I'd like to see the primary election held on the same day in each state, if possible--and if it's not, I'd like to see results held up until all of the votes are in.

The American people are smarter than politicians give them credit for, and the more those politicians mess around with elections, the worse off everybody is. I'm really tired of all of the attacks by party insiders. Let the people take a look at the candidates' decisions, and them let them decide. Period.

I also don't like the fact that Republicans were involved (by signing up as Dem or voting as Repubs) in the Dem primary process. I know this is up to the states, but it is a cause of some real corruption in the process.

[Pig_Latin_Lover]

5. Let the blue states vote

Since they're all big on color-coding states now, let's have all the blue staters give their say.

[chimpymustgo]

6. On the same days as the Iowa caucuses and NH primaries,

there should be a primary in more diverse states, i.e. Ohio and Florida.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Instant Runoff Ballots, all primaries held on the same day

[peacetalksforall]

8. I have the feeling that the DNC chooses the candidate and 'works'

the primaries to match their choice. If not true - let me know. If true - we need to start there.

I think they have a litmus test of who would make it.

I could go one level deeper in my doubts about Dems, if I can work up the courage today.

[janx]

11. Gee--

ya think?

[American Tragedy]

10. Why the hell CAN'T they hold all primaries in one day?

Or at least in a short enough period of time that most or all states are able to have influence.

I hear a lot of people asking this question but have never gotten a satisfactory answer.