But America is so big, and its tradition of seeking presidential candidates from outside the ranks of party leadership so well entrenched, that a compressed primary system would be a pity.

• 但是美国是如此之大，在政党领导阶层之外寻找总统候选人的传统又是那么根深蒂固，如此被压缩的初选体制多少有些令人感到遗憾。