General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Sanders tanked Clinton. [View all]BainsBane
(53,154 posts)It restricts, not increases the numbers voting. Caucuses have the lowest turnout, and are by far the most prohibitive system to the poor and people of color. They are over represented by white property owners. That is a fact, demonstrated by voter data. It is Exactly like voter ID, targeting the same people for the exact same reason. Konst could push for open primaries if she wanted a more independent, and therefore more conservative, primary electorate.
Instead she is seeking to replace caucuses to ensure that shift workers, the poor, elderly, disabled, women with childcare, and people of color don't vote. The goals are identical to the Kobash commission. With one major difference. Kobash doesn't conceal the fact elections are controlled by the states, whereas Konst misleads people into believing the DNC controls them.
Minority groups are overwhelmingly Democratic. That is the most basic fact of contemporary politics. That is what the Democratic brand is, that brand that is so disparaged in certain quarters. It is the party of the poor, people of color, women, and LGBT. The "identity politics" citizens whose rights are under assault.
Independents are overwhelmingly white. But that at least open primaries are legitimate point of discussion, unlike the racist disenfranchisement effort Konst and Kobash are leading.
Voter disenfranchisement certainly is old. It dates back to Reconstruction.
Your post is very illuminating. It clarifies your failure to express a word of criticism or disappointment on the issues I raised in previous discussion.
There is nothing in Hillary's remarks about not criticizing Democratic leadership. That is a disengenous cop out. It is you who are insisting the powerful not be challenged.