It has just broken that many of the Democratic candidates for president will not be participating in the primary election in Michigan. This is because the candidates had pledged to the Democratic Party that they would only campaign in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada prior to February 5th. Senators Clinton and Dodd will not be opting out.
The Democratic Party urged both Michigan and Florida from moving their primaries up to be around the same time as the other four. Traditionally, Iowa and New Hampshire are always the first two parties, and all candidates from both parties hammer those states to make a good showing.
Candidates can do a lot of retail politics in these two states, they go to diners and shake hands and all that presidential stuff. Basically the political establishment relies on candidates to focus in those two states, letting the results from those primaries play big in the media creating momentum as other primaries follow.
The problem with this small 2-state early primary system is that the issues important to Iowans and New Hampshiranderians dominate the discussion. So, the manufacturing industry, the economy, and other issues affecting Michiganders will not be lent an ear. The reason Michigan wanted to move its primary up was to force candidates to discuss the issues that are important here in Michigan.
Somehow, the Democratic Party has taken it upon themselves to regulate which issues matter, rather than letting the people decide. Giving Iowa and New Hampshire the run of the political mill every four years decreases the likelihood that issues that may not be important to these states get any attention at all.
Hillary is sticking around, most likely because everyone else dropped out. But she may as well have; Michigan’s delegates have been stripped from the Democratic convention, which I’m pretty sure means that the primary votes cast in Michigan for Democrats are worth as much as expired coupons, about 1/20 of a cent.
I wish the early primaries would rotate states every four years, giving a fair chance for each states’ citizens to set the agenda every couple of elections.
The party should not have that much power, and it stinks for us in Michigan, and for any other state who wishes to get their voice heard. Iowa and New Hampshire have small populations, give some others a chance.
Another thing, I hope all these people who love to hate Hillary actually have a reason. This blind hate is perpetuated by the right. If these Hillary haters actually do hate her, they may as well hate many of the other Democratic candidates. Many of them have similar policy positions. If people hate her because she is a politician, then won’t they please look at every candidate – they all happen to be politicians.
Is it because she’s married to Bill? Is it because she’s a very smart liberal? Do you disagree on policy issues very vehemently?
If you happen to hate Hillary, let us know why. Substantively why. And if you do, tell us why you don’t hate other Democrats with many of the same views. If you don’t tell us why, at least think about it. I can’t defend her tooth and nail, I just want to understand the Hillary angst.
I really have to start writing funnier posts.
