Could we have designed a worse system of nominating presidential candidates than the primary mess we have today?

You need an Excel spreadsheet just to keep up with which state is holding a straw poll, primary or caucus when. And which states are moving theirs up, which will force Iowa or New Hampshire or Lower Mauritania to move forward to protect their coveted place in the queue.

I hear now that Iowa and New Hampshire may move up from January so they can keep the privilege of being king (or queen) makers. Since it doesn’t make sense to vote in December, that means voting before Thanksgiving!

Enough.

Arguably, it makes sense to have the most convoluted possible nominating system. A candidate, just like a President, has to navigate ever-changing events. A campaign, just like an administration, survives by avoiding mistakes.

Viewed that way, the primaries are a great way to pick a President.

But how about those of us who would like a voice in who the nominee is? And who don’t live in one of those little states – or in one of the big states that will vote on Tsunami Tuesday in February? Or in Florida, which is willing to give up convention delegates to have its day in the primary sun?

Let’s just have a national primary. On something like Flag Day, June 14. Or a nice Tuesday in May, like we sensible North Carolinians do.

One day for all the marbles. One schedule. One big national race to settle it all.

I know the arguments against it. Some no-name insurgent’s chances will be hurt. (Name one you’d really like to see become President.)

It won’t make any difference on fundraising. Every candidate will raise every dollar they can.

It won’t make the campaigns shorter. Every campaign will start earlier and earlier.

It won’t do anything but give all Americans a chance to choose.

Plus, we get to test a direct national election without the Electoral College.

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