weeks

IN RECENT WEEKS, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislators have talked about giving California a well-deserved bigger say in the presidential campaign by moving up the state’s primary. However, if Democrats really want to put the party in the strongest possible position to succeed in presidential elections, let’s completely rethink the current primary system and replace it with a nominating process designed to pick the candidate best able to win.

In 2004, the primary season was frontloaded around a few early, relatively small and not especially diverse states in order to identify as quickly as possible the “most electable” candidate and to conserve money for the general election. Because these were small states that are historically won one voter and one constituency group at a time, candidates were rewarded for their retail campaign skills: one-on-one politics, constituency group building and a good biography. Unfortunately, these skills are about as relevant to a 21st century national presidential campaign as horseback riding is relevant to driving a car.

Modern presidential campaigns are tests of character; they’re a hunt for candidates who have broad appeal (as opposed to a biography attractive to only a limited range of voters). They’re about identifying candidates with the ability to articulate a message that speaks to all Americans, rather than those who rely on the typical 12-point plans constructed for one constituency group or another. Modern presidential races are about the ability to connect with voters over the TV in their living rooms — not about a candidate’s charm when he meets with them in person in their own living rooms. And they’re about the capacity to assemble and run a far-flung organization capable of raising well in excess of $100 million in just a few years.

With three reforms, the Democrats can put in place a nominating system that will produce the strongest and, yes, most electable candidate.

First, the Democratic primary schedule should open with a group of states that, when taken together, represents the mosaic that is America. Along with a Midwestern Iowa and a Northeastern New Hampshire, let’s have a state from the Southwest, South and West all voting on the same day.

A multi-state campaign taking place on one day and involving a diverse set of states will begin the process of identifying the candidate who can put together the winning qualities of a national campaign.

Second, the primary season needs to be spread over a longer time period — not just in theory but in practice as well, so candidates are truly tested. Beginning in early February and going until May, Democrats should schedule a series of 10 primaries, with each involving five geographically diverse states voting every two weeks. The diverse and multi-state nature of the races would make it far more likely that the campaign would be competitive for a longer period. (Under the current system, the 2008 primary could effectively be over after four early states vote in a span of a few weeks, as it was in 2004. The compressed time period and winner-take-all nature of the existing system means that whoever does well in these first states, especially the first two, is in all likelihood the presumptive nominee.)

This sort of diverse process over an extended time period worked in 1992 — the only time in the last 25 years that the Democrats nominated a candidate, Bill Clinton, who went on to be sworn in as president. That year, because Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin was running in the Iowa caucuses and because New Hampshire voters chose former Sen. Paul Tsongas of neighboring Massachusetts, neither Iowa nor New Hampshire played their historically determinative roles. In fact, the 1992 election was the first time in history that a candidate became president who did not win the New Hampshire primary. Instead, Democrats had to compete vigorously over the course of several months in such places as South Dakota, and then in Georgia (where Clinton got his first win), Maryland, Colorado, South Carolina, Arizona, Super Tuesday, and then on to Connecticut, New York and eventually California, where Clinton wrapped up the nomination in early June.

If Democrats had been using the 2004 primary system in 1992, their nominee could well have been Tsongas. The longer, diversified schedule, however, allowed Clinton to prove himself to voters, exposed the candidates’ relative strengths and weaknesses and allowed the Democrats to stay on the offensive and define the terms of the general election. Democrats ended up with a candidate who actually won a number of states in the South and all the states in the upper Midwest — and who had the message, the battle-hardened ability and the proven campaign operation needed to beat the Republicans.

The third reform, in order to encourage more voter participation and loosen the grip of the Washington establishment on the Democratic Party’s nomination process, is a three-part proposal: Eliminate the “super delegate” system. Super delegates are a significant pool of at-large, free-agent delegates representing the Democratic apparatus (including both party and elected officials) in the nominating process. In addition, the party should establish a system that more closely resembles the system that states such as Maine and Nebraska use in the general election, in which they divide nominating delegates by congressional districts, with votes for each district and additional points for whichever candidate wins the majority of the state’s total vote. Finally, as in New Hampshire, independents should be allowed to vote in Democratic primaries.

These changes would force candidates to compete for an ideologically broader range of voters throughout all regions of a state, including in urban, suburban, exurban and rural districts.

Even a cursory glance at a red-and-blue color-coded map that divides the country’s counties up shows that Democrats need to compete in more than just the major cities and coastal regions. Not only will this be of enormous help to producing a candidate who can compete nationally — it will help the party’s candidates lower down on the ballot, where Democrats face challenges in traditional swing communities.

The winning coalition for Democrats will in all likelihood not be the old Democratic coalition of labor, minorities, women and coastal progressives. As the 2006 midterms demonstrated, for the Democratic Party to regain a permanent majority status, our candidates must win by talking to all Americans.

I’M A Celeb AITCH had a secret snog with a stunning blonde podcast queen -15 years his senior – weeks before jetting Down Under.

The Brit-Award winning rapper locked lips with manifestation guru Francesca Amber at showbiz bash the Pride of Britain Awards, London in October, just a fortnight before he flew to Australia to take part in the ITV reality show. 

Cheeky Aitch, who was 25 at the time, hit it off at the free bar with author Francesca, 40, and was seen cracking jokes with the manifestation guru in the corner.

An onlooker revealed: “Aitch is a bit younger than Francesca but didn’t lack any confidence, he has bags of character and he was showing off and making her laugh, they were having a right giggle. 

“By the end of the evening they were kissing in front of everyone, it was quite romantic. Aitch has got loads of charisma and can hold his own, he’s no boy when it comes to flirting, so you can see how he won her over. They exchanged numbers before heading off into the night.”

Mum-of-three Francesca is still single, and Aitch’s spokesman declined to comment. 

BITTER MOVE

Mystery as Shona McGarty’s ex WIPES I’m A Celeb star from his social media

RAPPER’S ANTICS

Aitch admits he broke ITV bosses’ strict rule before I’m A Celeb jungle

Following his I’m A Celeb stint, fans were convinced Aitch was falling in love with co-star former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, 34, after they were seen having heart-to-hearts on camera and play fighting. 

The pair had raised hopes of a jungle love story earlier in the series after rapper Aitch said he had a “soft spot” for the former EastEnders actress. 

But upon exiting camp Mancunian Aitch shut down rumours of a romance. He said: “No, Shona’s just a cool person. I feel like me and Shona are just cut from the same cloth in a way. We just have the same sense of humour.

Asked if there is any chance of a romance, Aitch responded: “No, not at all. That’s just a good friend of mine.”

He has previously linked to Chicken Shop Date online host Amelia Dimoldenberg, 32, and model Rose Lola Thompson. 

Previously he has said: “I love dating a girl who is understanding and who can have a laugh with. I like it when I feel like my girlfriend is my best mate and understands me.”

Just before the rapper flew into the jungle it was revealed that he had parted ways with psychology student Lois Cottam.

A source at the time said: “Aitch and Lois still have a lot of love for each other but they decided they are better off as friends.

“They enjoyed the time they spent together. Things ended amicably between them.”

Aitch and Lois, are understood to have dated for at least a year.

We revealed that the pair were dating in May 2025, reporting that he had whisked her off for a trip to New York.

They also holidayed on the Greek island of Santorini in the summer but kept their relationship under wraps, with Aitch, real name Harrison Armstrong, not sharing pictures of them together on social media.

The BBC Breakfast presenter shared a major career announcement as he was supported by fans

Former BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Boulos has announced his new TV role, weeks after his exit from the broadcaster.

Ben recently shared his final day on the red sofa, saying: “Just before we finish, just to share a bit of news about me. It’s my last appearance on Breakfast for the time being, I am off to take a new job elsewhere.

“But I will miss this place, I will miss this programme a lot.”

Becoming emotional, he continued: “I have had the most wonderful time on Breakfast.

“I just want to say thank you to the brilliant teams that we work with and above all thank you to everyone watching at home for letting me be a part of your mornings.

“It has been a real pleasure and a privilege.”

The presenter had appeared on Business Live, Talking Business, BBC World News and more over the last 16 years, and has now confirmed his new role.

Taking to Instagram, he shared: “Here it is… Very excited that I can now share news about my new job with you all – and delighted to be joining the brilliant team @cnbcinternational @cnbc in London where I’ll be an anchor on #SquawkBoxEurope alongside Karen & Steve, 5 mornings a week. More details on how you can watch and when, coming soon. Cannot wait to get started!”

Ben joins Karen Tso and Steve Sedgwick in early February, as Julianna Tatelbaum begins maternity leave, a press release announced.

It read: “Together, Ben, Karen and Steve will cover the most important market-moving and complex stories of the day.”

“I am delighted that Ben is joining the CNBC International team,” Head of TV News for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Leonie Kidd said.

“His specialist knowledge of global business and economics, combined with years of experience presenting to audiences across the UK and worldwide, will be an incredible asset. Ben’s ability to make complex financial stories clear and engaging is exactly what we need as we continue to grow our coverage and connect with new audiences.”

Ben was showered in support from his followers, with one writing: “Wishing you the very best in this new chapter!”

Another said: “Congratulations! This is very exciting news! Good luck on the new adventure. Least you are used to those morning alarms!”

“Just wonderful. Well done,” a third wrote, as another said: “How exciting. You’ll be fabulous I’m sure.”

Ben had previously teased his new role on social media, saying: “After 16 years of working at the BBC I will be leaving at the end of this week. My last shift will be presenting BBC Breakfast on Sunday 11 January.

“I’ve had the most wonderful decade and a half here, working with many brilliant people, a lot of that time spent working in that building there, but of course, those of you with long memories will remember that my BBC journey started in Chelmsford at BBC Breakfast, then onto Look East, Five Live, before coming here to work at BBC World News, BBC News Channel, World Service Radio, and then of course Breakfast up in Salford, where I’ve been working for most of the last three years.

“However, it is time for a change, a new challenge, a new year. I’m leaving to go and take up a very exciting opportunity elsewhere.

“All I will say at the moment is that I will still be in broadcasting, I will still be presenting on television, but I will share more details about it with you soon.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website

“But in the meantime, I just wanted to say, thank you for the messages and comments of support and encouragement over the past years, and a thank you for taking an interest and following me on here and I cannot wait to share the next chapter of my journey with you.”

He captioned the clip: “New year, new start, new challenge. A big change for me in 2026 and exciting times ahead!”

BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks to deepen their midfield injury crisis.

The Belgium international, 28, came off in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Newcastle with an ankle injury and checks have confirmed he is unlikely to return until April.

He is the latest key midfielder for the side currently lying third in the Premier League to suffer a serious injury in recent weeks. John McGinn has been sidelined for two months and Boubacar Kamara is out for the season, both with knee injuries.

Villa are close to signing their former midfielder Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus to add cover.

“Tielemans is eight to 10 weeks out,” said manager Unai Emery on Wednesday. “Kamara is not going to play this season. McGinn is six to eight weeks out.

“After those updates of those players we need to manage the centre midfield in the matches we are going to play.”

Emery described the move for Luiz, who played for Villa between 2019 and 2024, as “close”.

Tammy Abraham joined Villa in an £18.5m deal on Tuesday and winger Leon Bailey has returned after spending the first half of the season on loan at Roma, while Donyell Malen signed for Roma earlier in the window.

Villa host Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday in the Europa League at Villa Park having already qualified for the knockout stage.

KATIE Price’s new husband sent X-rated messages to an influencer just weeks before their wedding.

Businessman Lee Andrews called ex-bodybuilding champ Tina Prodromou, 48, a “sexy little beast” last month – and also joked about marrying her months earlier.

Single mum-of-two Tina began chatting to Lee, thought to be 41, online in December 2024.

The pair shared flirty messages but have never met in person.
Lee then wed glamour model and mum-of-five Katie, 47, in a shock whirlwind romance on Sunday.

Tina, who last spoke to Lee on December 31, told The Sun: “He would be very sexual at times, sometimes saying what he’d like to do – he’s flirty.

“I would go along with it, but my boundary was always the same – I’d shut it down with, ‘If we ever get married, then you can’.

CHANGE OF HEART?

Mystery as Katie Price DELETES online tribute to new husband after wedding

LOVE SEARCH

Katie Price had talks for Celebs Go Dating BEFORE split from ex JJ Slater

“The sudden marriage announcement doesn’t sit right with me.
“I think it could be a massive publicity stunt. I’m calling b******t on it.”

Lee sent Tina racy messages – too graphic to be repeated in a family newspaper – on December 30, and they last spoke the following day.

Katie claims she met Lee through social media after her split from JJ Slater earlier this month.

The separation was confirmed on January 9, but JJ had already moved out of Katie’s home by this point, just days after they spent Christmas together.

Katie’s new relationship timeline is muddied by the fact she appeared to have Lee’s name tattooed on her hand on January 12.

She told The Sun the tattoo and the purchase of their wedding rings came days after they first hit it off.

In other Katie Price news…

“How I met Lee was esoteric; we connected [by] both checking each others’ socials and quickly realised, ‘wow, this is for me’,” she said.

“In the old-fashioned way, first by words which captured us both.

“That evolved deeper as we connected further within days [getting] matching tattoos, and then both deciding to buy rings for the other.

“All this without even meeting, we let fate, but you could say destiny, decide.”

Lee then wed Katie in a quiet Dubai ceremony on Sunday – with none of their loved ones present – after they connected online.

It came just two days after Katie stunned friends and fans by revealing on Instagram that she had got engaged for a ninth time.

Tina, from Enfield, North London, said: “We had good banter and he always came across warm and respectful with me – that’s why the timeline has shocked me.

“To be speaking to me like that at the end of December – he was affectionate, explicit – then a month later he’s married… it just doesn’t make sense to me.

“I’m not trying to paint him as a bad person, because I was genuinely drawn to him as a person.

“I just know it didn’t align with the person he presented himself as to me.
“I was genuinely shocked and, if I’m honest, a bit disappointed – because I’m someone who values integrity. It simply didn’t sit well with me.”

Tina, who ended a previous relationship last May, added: “After my break-up, I did play along more than before – but I still kept it to that same boundary, so there were no blurred lines.

“I told him that if we don’t find someone in the future, we will just marry each other.

“It was just flirty banter.”

British-Greek Tina has 19,000 Instagram followers on her account, @greeksuperwoman_official – where she frequently posts pictures flaunting her chiselled body.

In one exchange, on September 12, Lee responded to a picture Tina posted on her Instagram Story showing her toned abs, saying: “Gorgeous one!

“Absolutely looking amazing!!!!!!

“The things I’d do to you!!!

“When we are married.”

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Yesterday, we told how Lee had proposed to Katie in exactly the same way he did to his ex-girlfriend, Alana Percival, four months ago.

He gave her a chunky diamond ring and popped the question at Dubai’s swanky Burj Al Arab hotel by using rose petals to spell out the words: “Will you marry me?”

Brit real estate worker Alana, who is understood to have invested in one of Lee’s companies, got into a relationship with him after they met on a beach in the United Arab Emirates city last May.

But she called off their romance after becoming suspicious of his intentions.

Twice-married Lee was also today accused of proposing to Katie with the same ring he had given to his ex-wife, Dina Sari Taji, whom he reportedly was with from 2020 to 2024.

Lee is Katie’s fourth husband – following singer Peter Andre, ex-cage fighter Alex Reid, and personal trainer Kieran Hayler.

She only split from her Married At First Sight star ex JJ Slater, 32, earlier this month after nearly two years together.

The Sun revealed how Katie had married Lee on Sunday, two days after he proposed.

Our exclusive photographs showed former glamour model Katie, who has been married three times before, saying her vows with Lee in a top-secret location in Dubai.

Insiders said none of Katie’s family or friends knew she was getting married and found out on The Sun’s website.

A source added: “Everyone was gobsmacked.

“No one knew about the engagement, nor the wedding.

“The first time those close to her found out was on social media or in the news.

“Everyone is still in shock.”

Katie is set to speak about the whirlwind romance in full for the first time on her podcast with her sister, Sophie, later this week.

Katie, who has got matching tattoos with her new fella, told The Sun: “How I met Lee was esoteric.

“We connected by checking each other’s socials and quickly realised, ‘Wow this is for me’.”

Lee and Katie were approached for comment yesterday.