Are we fucked? (and how do we fix it?)

[siff]

We do have multiple parties. They've just coalesced into two parties. If the Libertarians, Tea Party, and Big Business Party were completely distinct entities, they'd still probably work together to defeat the Socialist Party, Hippie Douche Party, and Minorities Party on the other side.

Exactly. So they're not separate and distinct parties, and certainly not viable on their own.

 

[PhDeac]

Sure. Just saying that they'd still align into two factions or one faction could work to prevent the rest from forming a reasonable majority through which to govern.

Oh wait...

 

[dmcheatw]

if the nature of campaigning were changed, a lot of the problems in the OP may work themselves out within the existing framework

 

[BillBrasky]

To dmcheatw's point our primary system is a much bigger hurdle than most think.

If we're gonna stick with out current system there should be 5 mega Tuesdays, once a month starting in March, where 10 states hold their primary on the same day. Each election cycle the states would alternate so that everyone got to be in "the First Tuesday" every 20 years.

 

[ONW]

To dmcheatw's point our primary system is a much bigger hurdle than most think.

If we're gonna stick with out current system there should be 5 mega Tuesdays, once a month starting in March, where 10 states hold their primary on the same day. Each election cycle the states would alternate so that everyone got to be in "the First Tuesday" every 20 years.

Iowa does not like this idea.

 

[PhDeac]

The Iowa State Fair should not be a major political event.

Been a fan of this plan for years. I'd tighten it up even more. Candidates can't announce, fundraise, or advertise until March. Four stage primary with 12 or 13 states each. Primaries every three weeks starting the first week of June ending early August. Conventions in September. General in November, preferably running 36 hours from 8 am Saturday to 8 pm Sunday on the first weekend.

 

[BillBrasky]

Iowa does not like this idea.

Wake me up when anyone outside of Iowa, GAF about Iowa. Or New Hampshire. Or South Carolina.

Its such bullshit.

 

[BillBrasky]

The Iowa State Fair should not be a major political event.

Been a fan of this plan for years. I'd tighten it up even more. Candidates can't announce, fundraise, or advertise until March. Four stage primary with 12 or 13 states each. Primaries every three weeks starting the first week of June ending early August. Conventions in September. General in November, preferably running 36 hours from 8 am Saturday to 8 pm Sunday on the first weekend.

Wait, you think have the general election on the weekend is going to increase voter turnout? I don't think you realize how apathetic America is. Half us really only go to get the sticker and take a long lunch. Especially for the primary.

 

[PhDeac]

Wait, you think have the general election on the weekend is going to increase voter turnout? I don't think you realize how apathetic America is. Half us really only go to get the sticker and take a long lunch. Especially for the primary.

I don't know if it will increase voter turnout, but it will increase productivity, probably make it easier to staff polls, and reduce the need for early voting.

I would just hold the general for 36 hours. Primaries would just be on Sundays.

 

[ONW]

Wake me up when anyone outside of Iowa, GAF about Iowa. Or New Hampshire. Or South Carolina.

Its such bullshit.

That was my point.

 

[BillBrasky]

I don't know if it will increase voter turnout, but it will increase productivity, probably make it easier to staff polls, and reduce the need for early voting.

I would just hold the general for 36 hours. Primaries would just be on Sundays.

Not sure your God would be okay with that

Plus primaries would shrink by 50%. Talk about voter suppression.

 

[ImTheCaptain]

I don't know if it will increase voter turnout, but it will increase productivity, probably make it easier to staff polls, and reduce the need for early voting.

I would just hold the general for 36 hours. Primaries would just be on Sundays.

in 2013, it's stupid to have a single day for national voting and it not even be a holiday.

 

[PhDeac]

Not sure your God would be okay with that

Plus primaries would shrink by 50%. Talk about voter suppression.

As long as there is Wi-Fi, I can watch Cam on my phone so there's no conflict.