Should Michigan and Florida Democrats disaffiliate with the national party because of Presidential primaries?

Question

The national party doesn't recognize their right to hold a primary when they wish. Isn't it a human right for the people of Florida and Michigan to govern themselves?

Answer 1

The power of the parties are exceeding legalities. States have a right to do what they want and to permit the either party to change their decision is wrong. The average voter is already controlled by the old party leaderships in the various states. Anyone that thinks of the early election as anything but a way to get media attention needs to think again. With modern media it is a waste of time to have all the different primaries. Since the old party leaders have already decided who will get nominated it is a big waste of money and only serves the media by giving them cheap air time items.

Answer 2

It's the right of the national parties to set the rules for choosing who is the nominee of the national parties. Both national parties are sanctioning Florida and Michigan. Both national parties are willing to allow both states to participate in the nominating proces within the rules. While it is not the fault (or not entirely the fault) of the state parties, the rules are the rules and everyone knows what the rules are.

This does not involve the right of the people of Florida and Michigan to govern themselves since this involves a national election. In principle, there is no difference between the timing rules for the primary process and the timing rules for the election of electors. While the political parties in those states can disaffiliate from the national parties, it is unclear how that could benefit the residents of those two states.

Clearly, the best solution is for Congress to step in and stop the states from playing these games with primary dates. Until then, the power lies with the political parties. Democrats and Republicans in those two state have three options: 1) conduct their own primary elections in February outside of state control; 2) hold a caucus system starting in February; or 3) choose not to participate in the nomination of presidential candidates. This third option makes absolutely no sense.

Answer 3

I think everybody should disaffiliate with the national party, because I think they are corrupt.

Answer 4

The Dem and Repub parties are like private clubs and can set their own rules. MI and FL are really screwing things up.

What's going on is not healthy for democracy.