Why are the early primaries - Iowa, N.H. Mich. Nev -

[Bobbieo]

so terribly important in the presidential race? I haven't picked my candidate yet and so many things can happen that change people's opinons very quickly. Look what happens, here, on DU

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Good showings in the early primaries

brings in money. This is critical for many races.

[Bobbieo]

2. Okay - I understand the money factor - which is so very important.

But can money override scandal? Guess we'll find out with Giul1ano (sp?).

[AndyTiedye]

3. Because the Race is Almost Always Over After the First Few

The rest of the country doesn't matter in the primaries.

[cali]

4. They aren't.

It's IA, NH, SC and Nevada. MI moved its primary forward and the DNC stripped them of their delegates for doing so. And the reason they're the ones is a combination of dumb tradition and tinkering with the schedule to make it reflect a greater cross section of the dem party.

[Ravy]

5. Two things. People like to jump on a winning bandwagon, and

as candidates falter because of the money issue that previous posters have alluded to, there are votes up for grab with those people who really studied one candidate who is no longer in the race.