Presidential Primaries

A record crop of Democrats are contending this year for their party's nomination in hopes of unseating President Trump, who faces no significant Republican opposition as he seeks renomination. It is possible that no clear Democratic favorite will emerge until well after the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire have their say in February. Over the past half-century, voters participating in primaries and caucuses have supplanted the support of party leaders as the key to winning the nomination. Some observers worry that this has created a reality-show-style free-for-all that lacks proper vetting of potential presidents. Others say party officials and elected leaders still hold considerable sway, noting that this year's debate rules established by the Democratic National Committee have helped winnow the field. Serious questions remain about whether a process that has evolved episodically over time needs to be thoroughly rethought in order to ensure that nominees fully reflect a party's platform, are electable and are qualified to occupy the Oval Office.