Is it really a good idea to get rid of closed primaries? [View all]

[YouDig]

During the primary season, predictably, both sides will tend to favor the format that helps their candidate. This is just human nature. But now that it's over, we can maybe have a rational discussion about which type is better.

This time around, the open primaries were better for Bernie, because he did better with independents. But it's very far from guaranteed that open will always favor the more liberal candidate. Say hypothetically a Mike Bloomberg decides to run as a Dem against an Elizabeth Warren. I'm pretty sure in that case that Bloomberg would be the beneficiary of open primaries. Is that what we want?

As far as principles, I can see the argument either way. On one hand, it makes sense that Democrats get to choose the Democratic nominee. And it's not like it's hard to register as a Democrat. On the other, open primaries bring more people into the process, and could potentially broaden the party.

But careful what you wish for with that party broadening. One of the most hated entities here is "Third Way", but like it or not, "Third Way" was a broadening of the party. Just not in the direction that liberals wanted it. But most non-Democrats are less liberal, not more liberal than Democrats. Yes, there are Green party people and other disaffected liberal independents that are to the left of the average Dem, and this time those people turned out for Bernie. But there are also libertarians, and "pro-business social liberals" and all sorts of other independents to the right of the average Dem that might turn out in future open primaries.