Modest Proposal: Primarily Nuts

It's pretty obvious that the primary system is broken. States are elbowing each other to be first. At this rate, the 2012 primaries will be held in 08. The core problem is a historical pattern that gave two small States a hugely outsized role in deciding Presidential nominees. Clearly it's time for some kind of National Primary that gives the country a chance to look over the Candidates without having time to become utterly bored with the whole process.

The answer is America's Next President!, the television show. The idea would be a series of feats of political strength, perhaps including realistic dilemmas faced by actual Presidents, Commentary by pundits and historians, followed by rating and voting, sort of like Dancing with the Stars. After each show, one loser could be voted off, thus clearing the way for the front runners to show their stuff in more detail. In ten weeks or so, we could be down to the nominees, after which the campaign could continue as usual.

If the show became popular enough, regional qualifiers could precede the main event.

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