Nominal Momentum
While I was googling for more context on the whole presidential primary process this morning, I came across this speech from the year 2000. It’s an interesting look at the history behind the current obsession with the early state primaries. The speaker argues that even though the primaries have a reputation for giving underdog candidates a chance in the nomination contest, the candidate who goes into the primaries with stronger popular and financial position almost always ends up with the nomination. (Also, look for an amusing bit about W and McCain’s contrasting campaign styles in the 2000 New Hampshire primary.)
If he’s right, it means that Dean still has a decent chance of ending up with the nomination. Not that I have anything against Kerry or Edwards–it’s just that I don’t find either of them particularly inspiring. (I’d still vote for either one as the “not Bush” option.)