From Times reporter Wes Allison:

Despite my earlier skepticism, I now believe the argument that
Florida could mess up what seems like a valuable process, particularly
in New Hampshire. Yes, Florida looks more like America. Yes, winning
Florida has become key to winning the presidency.

But New
Hampshire doesn't really choose the next president, or even the next
presidential nominees. Its voters last week didn't anoint Clinton and
McCain, who won the Republican contest; they just let them keep going. ...

Instead, the Granite Staters cull those
candidates whose organizations, ideas or personas just aren't quite
ready for prime time. Their questions and scrutiny prepare the
survivors to meet the rest of us. And from what I can tell, they do a
wicked good job. (Read his adventure here.)