[EM] Conceiving a Democratic Electoral Process

[Fred Gohlke]

Good Morning, Michael

re:  "What would be the *actual* effect of eliminating (c) (where
       voting is restricted to *private* members)"

It would have an effect on the kind of candidates chosen by the party 
leaders, and that would affect the characteristics of the candidates.

The party leaders would choose candidates who could be relied upon to 
fulfill their obligation to the party for its support of their 
candidacy, but who would appeal to the broadest possible spectrum of 
voters.  In other words, it would cause the party leaders to feign 
centrism while picking candidates that ensure the party leaders will 
maintain their power.

The candidates, since they cannot hope to achieve election without the 
financial and logistical support of the party, will accede to the 
party's demands.  They will be the individuals most accomplished in the 
arts of obfuscation and deception.

Non-partisan candidates may be added to the slate, but they cannot mount 
a practical campaign.  The effect of the parties' many years of 
manipulating public opinion by using the principles of behavioral 
science forms an impenetrable barrier to candidates who do not have 
party support.

While the idea of opening primary voting to the public would almost 
certainly reduce the power of political extremists, it does not give the 
people a way to determine the character and integrity of the candidates. 
  The process does not include careful examination of the candidates - 
except by the self-interested party leaders.  The people have no choice 
but to use the (mis)information disseminated by the parties and the 
candidates to try to choose a trustworthy individual from the slate of 
candidates.

Is that a reasonable assessment?  Are there other possibilities?

Fred