9.9 Timeline to the White House

Candidates try to build a media presence to introduce themselves to voters or to reintroduce and reinvent someone who is already known.

Fundraising from early donors shows an ability to raise money and convince others to donate.

Only attending and hosting elite, limited, expensive fundraisers

It frames an election as a sport rather than a comparison of governing ideas.

It may turn election analysis into a popularity contest instead of an ideas contest.

Candidates who cannot ride horses are at a disadvantage.

Concentrating on who is leading the race today takes away from coverage and analysis of the candidates' plans.