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If all of the primaries happened at once, only the candidates who had a lot of money or big name recognition would be able to win. Spreading them out, allows for lesser known candidates to gather support as time goes on. Bill Clinton, who was not very well know outside of the party faithful, slowly built up steam in the 92 race and did not clinch the nomination until June or July (I forget the exact date). This is the same strategy that John Edwards currently has. However, the Democratic party has allowed a number of states to move up their primaries and this year's "front-loaded" primaries have allowed Kerry to gain huge momentum from a few relatively small primaries. This early lead is thwarting the efforts of the "long-haul" candidates like Edwards. I am not sure I like the "front-loaded" primary as I think a longer campaign strengthens the candidates and delays the eventual attacks by the incumbant.
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Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
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