In the scope of one minute on Monday night, the day before the New Hampshire primary vote, I observed exactly the reasons New Hampshire should have the first primary.
For one, the demographic diversity is perfect. Rednecks to the north, progressives to the south and moderates scattered throughout. Secondly, the state allows unenrolled voters to influence the primary.
Third, it is the state least likely to provide the "bounce" many other states would give the Iowan caucus winners. Fourth, the New Hampshire voters aren't tire kickers.
 They actually do look long and hard at the choices and are exceptionally aware of the issues. Five, New Hampshire has a huge state legislature (over 400) and most NH voters are likely to have, at some time, worked for a campaign somewhere for someone. Last, they go through this every four years and just don't get starstruck. I think that helps one focus on the issues.
 
Back to my one minute microcosm.
 I'm seated in a sports bar called "The Hills" in downtown Manchester. I (we) had just left the radio row for the evening and walked across the street from the Radisson Hotel to a hometown favorite watering hole. In the 100 yard walk we passed rabid Ron Paul supporters carrying three to thirteen foot high signs. A van whizzed past us with chubby twenty year old girls supporting Obama yelling (lamely) "End the war". After being seated in the middle of the spacious tavern with ceiling to floor windows, Andrea, Phil and I began talking about the day. It was a satisfying event I thought. We met Steve Forbes, Laura Ingraham (well Phil did) I was going to say hi but Phil fastly approached her and I thought she was going to run but she decided to hear him out and he put her at ease sure enough but I didn't want to get the same effect  and thought better of it. *Yes it was as funny as it reads.
Let's see who else..Dennis Kucinich, Congressmen McGovern and Delahunt, Howie Carr, Dan Ray (WBZ), Neal Boortz, Joe Scarborough, Babe Buchanan and others. Tomorrow we're supposed to meet with Dennic Kucinich again and actor Vigo Mortensen (Lord of the Ring's Aragorn) will be with him. But I digress. Back at the bar, LSU was pulling away from Ohio state and had just scored their 23rd and 24th points when a Ron Paul sign holding drag race took place down Elm Street between six or seven young bucks. Obama sign holders were walking by and you could tell they were hoping the sizable Paul supporters wouldn't notice them. Know what though? There was no trouble, Dems and Pubs' were cordial and amicable throughout this unique process up here. I heard back home the Fall River talk radio wannabe was screeching something about me having the audacity using my 1st amendment or some crap. So someone does listen. Some people belong in politics and others just don't. I'm kind of sick and tired of the ugly bigotry the low-brow wannabes have when they talk politics. They just aren't bright enough to be big enough (in one way) to respect opposing positions. I'm glad to have had this chance to interact with the most powerful movers and shakers on both sides of the aisle up here. More today and looking forward to it.

For more photos of the Manchester event click on the photo gallery above