New Hampshire is well known for it "first in the nation primary" and every four years we find out what that means. Ostensibly, it is supposed to allow candidates from both parties and independents to engage in "retail politics". They travel around the state and have town hall meetings, debates,rallies, and meet and greet residents. And, with exposure comes familiarity, and that should lead to support. As with most endeavors this every four year activity is somewhat flawed.
The increased exposure and name recognition is dependent on several factors including how much money a particular candidate has in the bank. So, the candidate with the most money has more appearances, bigger entourages, bigger buses, and more hype. Yes, I said hype! The entire process is really about advertising and marketing. So, let's begin with the positive spin.
There are always scheduled debates that showcase differences and qualities between the candidates. The town hall meetings allow for Q and A to answer particular questions that voters may have. The personal appearances provide a familiarity and face recognition. And, the crush of media, staff, and voters lead to lots of money for the businesses in the state. So far, so good.
But the problems generated by this four year migration has a downside as well. The TV is cluttered with advertisements, many of which are negative. The phone rings constantly for voters with polls, candidates, and PAC's (Political Action Committees) with a plea for a vote. Signs litter the roads and highways and frequently are not removed after the primary vote. And, some candidates leave the state with outstanding debt that is never paid. And the local news is 75% political coverage for months leading up to the vote.
So, to this observer the entire process looks like a circus that is distracting, entertaining, and travels around the country with the show. Does it work effectively to elect a quality candidate? Many people say that it does. I have some doubt. Candidates who have expensive clothes, carefully manicured hair, extensive staffs, and attentive media, are in the 1% of the population. That want to look like us but they are not even close. And they are selling themselves as a carefully packaged product. I would like to see the list of ingredients before I buy. And, of course, the circus has clowns-lots of clowns...
The increased exposure and name recognition is dependent on several factors including how much money a particular candidate has in the bank. So, the candidate with the most money has more appearances, bigger entourages, bigger buses, and more hype. Yes, I said hype! The entire process is really about advertising and marketing. So, let's begin with the positive spin.
There are always scheduled debates that showcase differences and qualities between the candidates. The town hall meetings allow for Q and A to answer particular questions that voters may have. The personal appearances provide a familiarity and face recognition. And, the crush of media, staff, and voters lead to lots of money for the businesses in the state. So far, so good.
But the problems generated by this four year migration has a downside as well. The TV is cluttered with advertisements, many of which are negative. The phone rings constantly for voters with polls, candidates, and PAC's (Political Action Committees) with a plea for a vote. Signs litter the roads and highways and frequently are not removed after the primary vote. And, some candidates leave the state with outstanding debt that is never paid. And the local news is 75% political coverage for months leading up to the vote.
So, to this observer the entire process looks like a circus that is distracting, entertaining, and travels around the country with the show. Does it work effectively to elect a quality candidate? Many people say that it does. I have some doubt. Candidates who have expensive clothes, carefully manicured hair, extensive staffs, and attentive media, are in the 1% of the population. That want to look like us but they are not even close. And they are selling themselves as a carefully packaged product. I would like to see the list of ingredients before I buy. And, of course, the circus has clowns-lots of clowns...
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