Primary faults

It's difficult to believe that the Iowa caucuses are already upon us. It's even more surprising (OK, so maybe it's disheartening, but not surprising) that what happens in the churches and basements and living rooms in Iowa will so greatly affect how California votes in one short month.

No more than three candidates in each party will be alive for the nomination by the time Californians get to vote in the primaries. More than likely, each party will be down to a two-horse race. This, of course, is months before the national conventions, where nominees are still technically decided.

It's an American tradition indeed. But that doesn't make it a good one.