All state primaries on the same day

[FerrisBueller86]

Now that I live in Iowa, I look forward to having my vote for the nominee actually count next time. I previously lived in Illinois and Virginia. In 1992 (first time I voted), my candidate Tom Harkin dropped out of the race before the Illinois primary, so I switched to Tsongas. This year, Howard Dean was fading fast and had announced he was only campaigning in Wisconsin. So I voted for Kerry in the Virginia primary. (He was my second choice. I thought he was better qualified than Edwards and Clark.)

Before I become too Iowa-centric (just moved to Cedar Rapids in August), I'd like to suggest that the nominees be selected on National Primary Day. In other words, all states vote for a presidential nominee on the same day. To allay fears that the most highly populated states would monopolize the race and favor the candidates with the deepest pockets, allocate the delegates in a system similar to that of the Electoral College but with proportional voting.

[FerrisBueller86]

I can't believe so many of you defend the current primary system.

What about the voters disenfranchised because they don't get their primary until after several candidates have dropped out and the nomination effectively decided?

Think about this: What would happen if the general election were like the primary system?  Suppose Election Day were 3 months long, and a small group of states voted each week.  Each week, the votes would be counted and reported, and they would INFLUENCE future results. 

If the Republicans had enough control of the process, they'd make Utah, Idaho, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina vote first.  The Republican candidate would have SO MUCH momentum that it would bias the news coverage and future voters.  How would you like to be a Democrat in Massachusetts who doesn't get to vote until the Republican candidate already has the 270 electoral votes?

If the Democrats had enough control of the process, they'd make DC, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New York vote first.  The Democratic candidate would have SO much momentum that it would bias the news coverage and future voters.  How would you like to be a Republican in Wyoming who doesn't get to vote until the Democratic candidate already has the 270 electoral votes?

I can't believe you people don't find the primary process unfair.

OK, OK, I should quit whining now that I live in Iowa.  In 2008, I'll go to the caucuses and get to impose my choice on the rest of you in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Hawaii.  If you don't like my candidate, or if your candidate drops out before you get to vote, TOUGH LUCK!!!  Come on, does that seem fair to you?