If you have been following the news of the Republican presidential primaries, you may have noticed discussion about states moving the dates of their primaries. Unlike the general election, states do not hold primaries on the same day; the separation of primary elections allows for a more drawn out nomination process, gives candidates a chance to work specific states critical to their overall political strategy, and gives all (or at least, most) states an opportunity to receive particular attention from the candidates.
These may be good reasons to separate the primaries, but there are some apparent downsides to organizing a presidential nomination process in this way. For one, it makes the entire process resemble horse race coverage by the media. Sometimes, it's almost as if you can hear the fast-talking race announcer shouting about how another horse just pulled into the lead!
In addition to the downsides of horse race coverage by the U.S. media, there are concerns about the current trend toward frontloading. Frontloading - a procedure in which the states increasingly schedule their primary earlier in the campaign to receive more attention and have a greater impact in the overall nomination - is a trend that continues. This year, South Caroline and Florida have already adjusted their primary schedules to assert greater control in deciding the nomination.
Based on the cartoon above and basic research on frontloading, write a response to your thoughts on the frontloading of presidential primaries.
- What is the motivation to move your primary? What are the downsides? What are some of the unintended consequences?
- What are the pros and cons of horse race media coverage? Consider the implications for lesser-known candidates, candidates with more extreme position, and mainstream candidates.
- What effect do you think the schedule has on voter turnout? political efficacy? trust in political parties and the government?
- If you see this as a problem, what solutions might alter the situation? If not, why do you think is the best scenario?
