Just whose national election is it?

Or I thought I used to know.

A kind but sarcastic comment on a news show got my attention the other day. It lamented what looked like probable Christmas presidential caucuses 22 months before a future election. The comment made my think. Just who is in charge of the presidential elections and all that precedes it. I used to think it was we voters; now I am not so sure. Sounds like time for a course change.

Maybe human nature is taking control, and there is little to worry about? Reports that today’s candidates may ignore the many many debates scheduled earlier and earlier give me hope. Maybe there is too much of a good thing, or a bad thing? Maybe the media-politico complex is waning?

Lurking in my mind is some historical idea that Labor Day was the beginning of candidates getting serious about declaring. This is Labor Day the year before, not the year of an election. The recent acceleration in all this is different, and not good for voters, I think. But then all this difference may just burn out, just like many civil wars. Exhaustion, money, and just being tired counts, too.

The candidates do not deserve all the blame. Those of all the other political persuasions who seek gain for their area have a part, too. Political power gain and area economic gain lead the list, but don’t forget political operatives for hire; and to move up the time table is the easy way for all to try do this. But at some point, the adage about the straw that broke the camels back will happen. It will look like the party that nobody came too. This idea will apply to debates first, then caucuses and primaries next. Before all this, or maybe after one election cycle, someone will step in and knock heads and bring order and time tables back to sanity.

Elections are important to all of us. And since we voters are in charge, if someone can’t bring some good order and discipline back to the presidential process, then I guess we’ll have to. I hope this threat of loss of control will prompt improvements, but if it doesn’t, then the nation will get what we voters come up with.

That should be interesting. Even quiet revolts often produce unexpected outcomes. If we voters get back more control of the whole process, even if it is only the time table, then this will be good. Then the candidates will probably say: about time and thank you.