Arguments Against The Primary Caucus System

Question 1

What is a disadvantage regarding the focus it creates?

Answer 1

-increases focus on candidates as opposed to party or policies
-exacerbates divisions within parties such as Bill Clinton + Bernie sanders 2016

Question 2

What is the disadvantage regarding outsiders?

Answer 2

-outsiders often lack the DC connections + experience necessary for such demanding job
-insiders often win nomination

Question 3

What is an example of this?

Answer 3

-Joe Biden 2020 won against outsider Trump

Question 4

What is the disadvantage regarding the ‘road testing’ of qualities?

Answer 4

-political professionals are better placed understand candidates true qualities esp those required for gov as opposed to campaigning
-general public bombarded by political ads + campaign slogans

Question 5

Why are fellow political professional better placed to understand candidates true qualities?

Answer 5

-have more experience with political process
-often work directly with candidates giving firsthand knowledge of candidates leadership, decision making + ability collaborate

Question 6

What is an example of this?

Answer 6

-Obama 2008 campaign + his inexperience in terms of national office compared to rival H.Clinton who was First Lady + senator
-pol professionals able assess O leadership potential + policy depth e.g. his speech crafting with deliverance + articulation of visions resonating with electorate

Question 7

What is wrong with caucus meetings?

Answer 7

-lack secrecy, involve lengthy time commitment + not suited to modern age of politics

Question 8

What is an example of this?

Answer 8

-the 2020 dem Iowa caucus proved farcical
-due to delays reporting results as problems with app for reporting results failed function + were a,so nuclear in some respects such as computer complexity of final alignment numbers causing confusion about which result considered definite