From the commentary: By simplifying the process and ensuring that both the Dems and GOP primaries are held on the same date in each state, the parties can maximize participation in the process.
From the commentary: Republican chances in 2024 could be affected by the degree to which Trump helps the ultimate nominee in the general election. In a worst-case scenario, a Trump independent candidacy would almost certainly drain off enough GOP votes to cost Republicans the presidency.
From the commentary: Still, it's a good bet the president will get his way, with the early contests lining up just as Biden prefers and Harris might relish.
From the commentary: That is the silver lining, if there is one, of today’s bitter, culturally charged partisan warfare: It has made civic engagement more meaningful for millions of citizens, proving that — for all its other problems — polarization can be the antidote to political apathy.
From the commentary: So moving the Iowa caucuses out of their traditional mid-winter slot is change, the advantages of change outweigh the advantages of the status quo. The DNC should try to stick with it for a while.
Under a plan approved by a key panel of the Democratic National Committee Friday, Dec. 2, South Carolina will hold the first primary on Feb. 3. Of the states vying for the early primary spots, Michigan, another diverse Upper Midwest state, was seen as Minnesota’s strongest competitor. Michigan's primary will be on Feb. 27,
From the editorial: Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., introduced a bill last year to prohibit campaign committees from accepting money from lobbyists registered with a foreign country. Considering that dark money represents the easiest and fastest way for Russia and other governments to buy politicians and wreak havoc, Congress should make closing that gap one of its top priorities.
DFL Gov. Tim Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman and incoming Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic sent a letter to the Democratic National Committee this week pledging to pass legislation to move the primary to an earlier date if national leadership picks the state.
From the commentary: Still, as Biden quietly marked his 80th birthday on Nov. 13, the basic Democratic dilemma remained: Will it be best for the party — and the country — to renominate the nation’s oldest president, even if the alternative is chaos?
"Any company tied to Trump and his various projects since leaving the White House will likely attract a lot more free publicity, which in most cases is no bad thing for their stock price."
