Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Tweet Storm in Post Format: Open Primaries




The problem is that each STATE chooses how to conduct its own primary. And those state laws have to get through whichever legislature and whatever governor they have.

So the DNC can SAY Open Primaries Only, but that has no binding power over Terry Branstad or the Iowa House Republicans. Or, for that matter, over the Iowa Senate Democrats. Just like the parties can set a nomination calendar, but states can break the rules and usually get away with it (which is why we caucused on January 3 in 2008 and 2012). In fact, Florida Democrats used this as an excuse for their against the rules primary date in 2008: We didn't WANT to break the rules, the Republicans made us.

Superdelegates? That's a more realistic reform, because that the DNC can deliver on its own.




1 comment:

Spike said...

The Democratic and Republican parties are a form of "fraternal" organization like the VFW, Moose Lodge, or the Elks Club. Their members vote for their membership. What Sanders is advocating is akin to letting anyone walk into an organization's meeting and vote for the Exalted Ruler, potentially overturning the will of the the lodge's members.

If Sanders wanted to start another party, he should have done just that. It's unfortunate the Democratic leadership didn't put a stop to him getting on the Democratic ballot in the first place. If the Democrats want to change the rules, they should require people running for office to actually be a registered member of the party.

And it's equally amazing the Republicans allowed exactly the same thing in their party in this cycle as well. While there is a cry for the elimination of superdelegates in the Democratic Party, the Republican Party is wishing they had them so they could have stopped Donald Trump from becoming their nominee.

It's truly a fascinating election cycle this time around...