Topics: Politics, U.S.
Public Release Date: November 04, 2022
The U.S. Constitution has a lot to say about elections. But nowhere is there any mention of political primaries, the process by which candidates are winnowed down ahead of a general election. Though they may seem integral to the U.S. system, primaries in fact are a relatively new phenomenon, borne of the turn of the 20th century when reformers sought to wrangle power from political party bosses. Of course, quite a lot has changed since the days of Tammany Hall. Gerrymandering has greatly reduced competitive districts, while the urban-rural divide has grown exponentially. Divisions run deep, with social media capable of dramatically shifting the political landscape at unprecedented speed. Many see primary elections as a principal culprit of what they consider an undermined democracy, fueling extremism, hindering compromise, and lending too much power to partisans. Others argue that primaries are an important bulwark against political corruption and a hedge against elitism.
In this context, we ask: Are Primary Elections Ruining Democracy?
ARGUING YES:
Elaine Kamarck: Founding Director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution
ARGUING NO:
Jed Ober: Former Director of Programs at Democracy International, Current Chief of Staff for Pennsylvania Congresswoman Susan Wild
MODERATOR-IN-CHIEF:
John Donvan: Emmy award-winning journalist
Both debaters handled their topic well, generally speaking. Still, this would have been far more interesting discussion if one of the debaters had been a Republican, or otherwise someone who could grant that, Elaine Kamarck’s preferences notwithstanding, Ronald Reagan proved to be an effective and respected president, who was elected and re-elected by significant margins.