I could be — and probably should have been — writing about Nevada’s Republican caucus today. But because the state of New Hampshire insists that nobody else in the country may select presidential candidates within seven days of its primary, I’m not. Instead, I’m trying to respect New Hampshire law and reflect upon the deep meaning and wisdom displayed in that state’s electoral process.
Did you know that nearly anybody can get on the ballot in New Hampshire? That tons of people you’ve never even heard of ran for president there, ignored by the media (and most New Hampshire voters)? For example, have you ever heard of people named Vestermark, Greenleaf, Lawman, Story or Huntsman? Of course not. But they all ran for president in New Hampshire as Republicans.
That leads us to today’s meditation for the Seven Holy Days of Reflection: Not everybody can grow up to be president in America.
We tell children in school that in America, anybody can be president. New Hampshire, with its liberal ballot access laws, perpetuates the myth. But the reality is, in 235 years of American history, only 44 men have become president. Literally millions of people who were constitutionally eligible for the office have been born, lived and died during that time, so clearly the odds are against you.
That’s what Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and — oh, yeah, that guy! — ex-Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman are about to find out. But instead of Nevada teaching them that lesson, South Carolina and Florida will do the job. We lost our place in the primary lineup, and all we got are seven lousy (but holy) days of reflection.
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A reflection on the Caucus that was never meant to be; so let me try to understand that when Oh Danny Boy runs for Congress and his wife bails on the Nevada Republican Party that the NRP will again be a rudderless mess. Plus ca change…
Republicans…got nobody.
Chandler, for once I agree with you. They don’t. BTW I have been posting that for the last year. Although he does not have my vote and never did, the mighty Ø will be re-elected simply because there is no one from another team who will show up to play. Default wins the game.
Just like here in NV if “None of these candidates” wins the one in second gets elected.
Not only can anyone in NH run, but dead people can vote. You Tube vid 10 minutes long worth a watch.
tinyurl.com/6qjaqqj
Thanks Sherm.