Left Flank

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TNR at least understands the deeper frustration this flawed 2008 primary season has created: a «promise unfulfilled».

There's no question that the situation is a tricky one: The contests the states held in January cannot be allowed to count--rules are rules--and the prospect of holding new primaries or caucuses has dimmed as a result of financial and logistical challenges. And even Hillary Clinton, who once passionately spoke of these states, doesn't mention them anymore. The party brain trust is praying that the nomination is decided by the remaining ten primaries, so that the two states' delegations can be seated without incident at the convention in Denver.

The only problem is that one in ten Americans is either a Floridian or a Michigander, and they are being disenfranchised. One would hope that this would be cause for distress, but most Democrats seem to be greeting the news with a yawn. At this point, almost everybody cares more about settling on a candidate than about ensuring that the nominating process is fair.

I'm really pleased Pennsylvania and Indiana is soaking in publicity and campaign cash, and that voters there can make a difference. I just don't see why it can't be like this every four years. Every demographic group, every individual should be part of the process, not occasional bit player, if something bad happens.

The most lasting impression I have gotten from this primary debacle is, that both the GOP and Democratic parties believe that they are as much a part of the government as Congress or some White House staffer. They're not. Both parties are, and should be, replaceable. They have no constitutional status, but now the Democratic party is blithely disenfranchising voters. This, along with partisan gerrymandering, is an egregious usurpation of political power.

It's time to take a wrecking ball to the current unfair duopoly, and build a fairer electoral system.