I've only been involved with and covering news and American politics since 1968. But one lesson I learned early on was this: Just when you think something is finished or settled, be very, very careful. 

That's when it takes a completely unexpected twist. Remind me sometime to tell you about the airplane hijacking that was thwarted by a drunk driving a Cadillac.

You might remember in 2000 liberal media's over-eagerness to declare Democrat Al Gore the winner of Florida and, therefore, the presidential election, even before all of the Florida polls had closed. Oops!

That led to an historic Supreme Court chad decision that made the media's initial reported outcome erroneous.

Now, we enter the too-familiar phase of primary elections where the media demands candidates get out of the race, in this case Nikki Haley. Who are they to decide it's over and voters in Nevada and elsewhere don't get to participate?

Media do this because they selfishly need something new to write about every day, not because it makes sense, is wise or fair, is good for us or the country, or the important primary process.

Trump has 91 criminal counts in four trials underway. Shouldn't voters get a chance to see what happens there? And how primary contenders react?

We don't end football games at halftime just because one team is good with claiming a W and hitting the showers, and media can meet earlier deadlines. The contests are 60 minutes minimum to see who has the strength, stamina, physical and emotional endurance, and strategy to compete, endure setbacks, come back, fold, or maintain the lead.

I hope Haley doesn't suspend her campaign. The political purpose of primary races is not to provide entertainment for media to overwrite about. 

The purpose of primaries is to provide intense competitions for wannabe presidents to learn the myriad, complex issues in numerous states across the country. To face hard questions from town hall attendees, other candidates, and media. 

To test out the skills and abilities of possible future aides. To let us see their actions, decisions, and character when the nation's fate is not yet in their hands. Like an audition.

And to force them to learn and to see how they handle the pressures. I was involved inside this process some years ago, and I can attest it's trying and tiring, as it should be.

Both Trump and Joe Biden have chosen to dodge public debates this time for their own strategic and personal reasons. That's a shame for democracy's sake, and it's also revealing about their character and weaknesses. Primary voters should have an opportunity to take that into account and pass judgment via a ballot.

That's the topic of discussion in this week's audio commentary. I hope you'll listen, and feel free to add your comments below. These commentaries are not intended to be one-way.

We have previously examined the "inevitability" of Trump's nomination and warned about the many things that could happen to him, others, and us in the coming weeks and months. The convention is not until July.

We have also looked at the past year of Joe Biden's screwups and the foreboding that brings to his desire to live in government housing and continue his serial vacations that have consumed 40 percent of his term.

Here, ICYMI, is RedState's roundup on the New Hampshire Republican primary — some record numbers but also some serious disappointments for a few of the participants. 

And one of my recent favorites: A Chicago City Council member has announced a revolutionary answer to the flood of illegal immigrants settling in that city with no housing. He suggests the city's richer residents open up their homes to them. And I pointed out the Obamas now live mostly in Washington. So, their spacious South Side mansion would be available.

Speaking of President Magoo, his inability to speak and or think clearly is on display almost daily. It is seriously impaired. My colleague Nick Arama has the latest, including his most recent nonsense quote conscientiously spotted by Laura Ingraham: "Barack and I think it’s a right for people to have Badakathcare.”

Biden supporters might claim they can decipher his garble code. But can the rest of the world, including our emboldened adversaries, accurately translate the mumbles and addled president and his intentions? 

"I think the U.S. president just ordered a launch!"

 "No. No! He just ordered lunch."