New Hampshire Primary Result Good for Democracy

The results of last night's primary election in New Hampshire are good for democracy. Not because Hillary Clinton or John McCain won, but rather, because the campaign cycle will continue. Some had speculated that an Obama win would signal the end of the Democratic primary contest. As John Edwards repeatedly pointed out in his speech last night, more than 99% of Americans have not yet had a chance to cast a vote. So a contested primary fight that continues past Iowa and New Hampshire (see my prior entry "Obama, Huckabee, and Iowa...Oh My! - Yawn") and, therefore, gives more Americans a chance to participate in the political process is good for democracy. The divided electoral results from the citizens of Iowa and New Hampshire means many other citizens will continue to be able to meet the candidates and hear what they have to say.