2016 presidential hopefuls not worried by failure to launch

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2015 file photo, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks in National Harbor, Md. Most U.S. presidential candidates really don't want to spend nearly two years bowing and scraping to voters and campaign donors. And most voters sure don't want to hear about the presidential race for anywhere near that long. Yet 20 months out from the November 2016 presidential election, no fewer than two dozen potential candidates are maneuvering to run and elbowing one another for advantage. Candidates are hiring political staff, donors are taking sides, party operatives are researching potential opponents and activist groups are holding straw polls of dubious value. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

By Associated Press March 9, 2015 5 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Most U.S. presidential candidates really don’t want to spend nearly two years bowing and scraping to voters and campaign donors.

Most voters sure don’t want to hear about the presidential race for anywhere near that long.

Why, then, does it take so loooong to pick a U.S. president? Blame American-style democracy?

Blame the pollsters and consultants who feed off the horse race. Blame the unquenchable thirst for campaign cash. If you’re a candidate, blame other candidates for forcing you to get going so early.

Whatever the reason, 20 months out from the November 2016 presidential election, no fewer than two-dozen potential candidates are maneuvering to run and they’re already elbowing one another for advantage. Candidates are hiring staff, donors are taking sides, party operatives are digging up dirt on potential opponents and activist groups are holding straw polls of dubious value.