California's move raises the stakes here, because shortening the race increases the pressure to break from the pack quickly. The best way to break out still figures to be a win, place or show in New Hampshire. But the nominating process as a whole will suffer, and badly. Only well-financed candidates can hope to campaign in so many states in so short a time. That leaves out long-shots and their ideas.
Quick decisions are often poor decisions.
The need to sustain a candidacy over time as well as distance helps separate a fad from a force. Candidates need time, too, to develop their themes and find their stride. In a short race they'll be listening to consultants and focus groups, not the voters. If we were designing a primary process, we would leave New Hampshire and Iowa out front, winnowing the field and passing the finalists on to the nation. Regional primaries could follow, one a month, giving candidates time to adjust and voters a chance to reflect on their choices.