This idea is floating around in the ether but I wanted to add my spin to it. The Problem:
The primaries are moving closer and closer to new years day as the state vie for a say in who is the nominee from each party. Iowa and Vermont have an inordinate say in who wins the nomination and until this cycle California had no say. Now California and 21 other states have moved their primaries forward so that the nomination will go to the person with the fattest wallet or best name recognition. All of this is not very democratic.

An alternative selection method:
While the will of the people is having less effect in politics the will of the people is being recognized and celebrated on television.  “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars” both have an audience participation component that helps winnow the field of candidates during the shows season.  They are wildly popular and do in fact select one of the best participants as the winner.

The Solution:
“Democrat Idol” would start in September with auditions for the dark horse slots before a panel of judges.  In January of the election year the elimination rounds would start and include the regular candidates.  By April a candidate would be selected.  The show would include adlibs, prepared speeches, backgrounders, tough questions and debates.  There would be lots of fund raising opportunities for the candidates and for the party.  The candidates selected would have high visibility and name recognition and would be a reflection of the will of the people of the USA not just Vermont and Iowa.