Monday, April 27, 2015

Millsaps professor thinks presidential campaigns aren't too long.

Tired of the presidential silly season that seems to last forever?  A Millsaps professor defended the current system in a letter to the Wall Street Journal that was published last week. Dr. Nathan Shrader wrote:


Regarding Michael Barone’s explanation of the elongated nature of American presidential campaigns (“Our Endless Campaigns,” Review, April 18): Those who argue that the length of the nomination and selection process is excessive should consider several additional points.

First, presidential campaigns have become longer and more expensive because of the exponential growth in the power of the executive branch of government in the post-World War II era. That is a powerful inducement for parties and aspiring candidates to campaign longer and harder to achieve victory.

Second, wishing for the American presidential election process and its calendar to more closely resemble the truncated campaign cycle in the U.K. isn’t a realistic position. A two-party, presidency-centered government operating within our unique and exceptional system of federalism differs so vastly from the U.K.’s multiparty, parliamentary system that comparisons concerning the style and length of campaigning aren’t practical.

Last, the length of our presidential campaign cycle is more advantageous than it is burdensome, especially for our citizens. Although the process may not be what the founders or our political ancestors had in mind, it does permit for a true vetting process among party activists, donors, the press and rank-and-file voters. Our present nomination process also allows candidates time to sharpen their messages and ensure that their campaign’s apparatus is “battle ready” for the general election.

Nathan R. Shrader, Ph.D.
Millsaps College
Jackson, Miss.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yup, that "true vetting" definitely took place in the case of the Muslim Kenyan currently occupying the White House.

Anonymous said...

Your crypto muslim notion gives so much credit to the GOP and focuses so much on real policies being churned out that affect us all. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Remember when Milsaps and those affiliated with Millsaps were as respected and relevant as they actually thought they were? Yeah, that was a while back.

Anonymous said...

We need a National Primary Voting Day and a shorter campaign time. Our political leaders need to spend more time leading and less time making promises that they won't keep.

Anonymous said...

Politics and the political process is only about elections and has nothing to do with governance. The primary focus of every politician is re-election. They could give a shit less about governance (except to the extent they can use it for patronage leading to re-election). And, it applies equally to both parties, men, women, black, and white.

Zapped Earlier said...

Kingfish decided to zap my earlier post referencing the liberal professors at this school. Not sure why he felt it was inappropriate. Maybe they're his breakfast group at Primos.

Kingfish said...

Probably because it was the one that used the n word

Anonymous said...

85% of the people who comment on this site use the N word every single day.

Folks who say Millsaps is "liberal" are first in line to use the word.

This site is a wasteland of racial intolerance...and bring up gay people? Better really watch out.

Kingfish said...

So which posts are racially intolerant?

Anonymous said...

I certainly find the long campaigns burdensome and annoying. I'm already sick of hearing about every single candidate in the next election!

The added expensive allows for those with the deepest pockets to buy undue influence. We are already moving rapidly towards oligarchy as a result.

The long time allows candidates to hone their message to that which will be popular with voters rather than their long held beliefs. They have time to do countless polls to see what message will sell.

It allows the Big Lie/Urban myth psychology to be more effective with the mentally and intellectually bereft as evidenced by the idiot who thinks Obama is a Muslim rather than an ineffective President. And, allows that sort of nonsense to be the focus rather than policy discussions.

For God's sakes, Obama eats pork, smokes and drinks . His wife and daughters are hardly modest. Do y'all know nothing about the Muslim religion other than what you read on some website written by some Tom, Dick or Harry , some of whom are drug addicts or who have been in psych wards?





Anonymous said...

85% of the people who comment on this site use the N word every single day.

100% delusion.

Anonymous said...

85% of the people who comment on this site use the N word every single day.

Wow....you have really done your homework....said no one ever.

Anonymous said...

Obama is a Muslim and an ineffective President.

Anonymous said...

The fat boys need to stick together.

Christie PAC holding D.C. fundraiser at lobbying firm headed by Haley Barbour

The fundraiser for Leadership Matters for America is taking place at the offices of BGR Group, which is headed by Christie's friend Haley Barbour, a former Mississippi governor and former Republican National Committee chairman.

As chairman of the RGA when Christie was running for governor in 2009, Barbour directed $7.5 million in spending on the campaign. Christie has said he wouldn't be governor without Barbour's help.

Anonymous said...

Every poster who expresses dismay at Kenneth Stokes inability to pronounce words consistent with white people.

Those folks and their posts are racist.

Every poster who calls all black people "democrats" are racists.

Every poster who goes way out if his way to discuss Jackson crime - racist.

Everybody who writes in and who is upset that the CL doesnt state the race of a suspect - racist.

The list goes on and on KF....you know it....but its good for business.....so you keep asking dumb questions...

Kingfish said...

I said posts, not comments. Posts are written by me. Comments are written by readers. Pay attention.

As for comments, I allow people to be stupid if they choose to be. I can show you comments I didn't approve as the writer cussed me out but good because I wouldn't approve his racist comment.


As for complaining about the CL not publishing race, that is not racist. Its a public safety issue. Someone has committed a crime, is on the loose. We have every right to know his race and description. If you disagree, well then you are wedded more to your ideology than reality.

Anonymous said...

Guessing that 9:44 AM is a Donkeycrat.

Anonymous said...

"85% of the people who comment on this site use the N word every single day."

Prove it. We'll wait

Anonymous said...

I assure you, I'd be no less frustrated with and just as fed up of Kenneth Stokes if he were lily white and lived in the biggest six-bedroom home on the biggest lot in Eastover.

Anonymous said...

Ahem.....that's a whole lot of categorizing and stereotyping, 9:44.

Anonymous said...

The flip side is a really short election, like the last mayoral election. 10 people all jumped in and we had what seemed like 2 weeks to figure out who to vote for. I don't see how a long lead time is bad. And we don't live in Iowa so we're completely isolated from the commercials.

Anonymous said...

Here's my take on elections in general ( regarding national elections). No matter who is in office, we are screwed.
After nafta and now tpp, I don't know how many American jobs will be left.

We need industrial hemp. These trAde agreements are so screwed up that companies can sue the government for not using their products. Hemp would be the new cotton ( no slave this time). This whole work your ass off and you can do anything is a lie straight from the pits of globalist hell and you all know it. We need industries that can't be shipped off. It's that simple. To hell with Washington and the old guard. I am 28 years old and this place is a rotten mess. Don't tell me to move to Colorado. This is our lovely new reality that I don't think anyone saw coming.
Phil Bryant - we need hemp: for the love of god and the future of Mercia please let us have something to call our own.

Damned Red Circle Street Signs said...

Who cares what some professor at Millsaps thinks. Next you'll be quoting Sid Salter, Marty Wiseman and that guy at the law school who needs to wash his hair. We listen to Enoch and that's all the expertise we need.



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Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

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In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


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This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

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If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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