One thing I don't see mentioned here

[Khephra]

Everything is different this primary.

Why?

Because the primary schedules for both parties have been shrunk. What went for being "normal" in other campaigns doesn't count this year. It's a brand new game, under totally different rules. Throw in campaign finance law changes and you'll start to see that you can't compare this election cycle to any other.

Just my two cents.

[frustrated_lefty]

1. Counterargument:

The primaries have been shrunk because this election is like no any other. No matter who you like, who you dislike, four more years of this administration scares the hell out of a lot of people. We cannot be what Whoopie Goldberg once described the Democratic party as being: "8 or 9 kitty cats trying to cover up shit." We can not do the democratic routine, we have to get a viable nominee up and use the next year to focus on winning the presidency.

[Khephra]

5. I don't really see that as a counter argument

more as an elaboration to what I posted. The primary schedule was shrunk before anyone was on top.

[NavajoRug]

2. Good point. Something that disturbs me very much . . .

. . . is that the GOP convention schedule appears to have been tailor-made for this "campaign finance reform" election environment.

They've scheduled their convention in early September, which is more than a month after the Democratic convention and almost exactly 60 days before the November election. This means that they'll be hammering the Democratic nominee relentlessly for a month after the Democratic convention before the 60-day restrictions kick in.

This also explains why Bush is raising $200 million of "hard" money with no Federal matching funds for a primary campaign even though he's got no GOP opponent in the primaries -- declining the matching funds means there is no limit on how much "hard" money he can raise. THEY'RE GOING TO SPEND ALMOST ALL OF THAT $200 MILLION IN AUGUST 2004, WHEN THE DEMOCRATS ARE AFFECTED BY LIMITS ON THEIR ELECTION FUNDS BUT IT IS STILL CONSIDERED "PRIMARY SEASON" FOR THE REPUBLICANS.

I hate to say this, folks -- but right now it looks like the GOP has played their cards very well. In fact, I'm amazed the Democratic Party leadership was so naive/incompetent that they couldn't see this coming.

[SheilaT]

4. And why Dean has opted out

of campaign finance restrictions and is trying to raise $200 million for his campaign by getting 2 million people to each give $100. I think he'll do it. So far people have contributed well above the goals set for each of the special fundraising efforts on his site.

[Eric J in MN]

6. The Move On Voter Fund can spend in August 2004.

The Move On Voter Fund can spend from now through August 2004 before any restrictions related to 60 days before the general take effect.

http://www.moveonvoterfund.org/

Give to the Move On Voter Fund and/or spread the link above around the internet (with off-topic posts on other websites, etc.)

[Cleita]

3. Your two cents are gold not copper though.

You are so right.