Reply #96: If we want a voice in the DNC, improve the caucus system, don't scrap it!

[countryjake]

Nominating a party's candidate for the presidential election is not the same as any normal election and it should involve as many rank and file party members as possible. Key word is "involve".

The caucus method is the only way to accomplish that involvement in the party. It actually requires a person to discuss and support their choice for president in public, with friends and neighbors, to weigh the pros and cons, the strengths and weaknesses...the reasons one thinks any candidate is worthy over another and why they might be better for our party.

A caucus also makes the selection of delegates a very civic matter, for ordinary party members to consider their duty...to elect the best delegates for the job of representing our interests at the party convention and getting messages of discontent or approval to those who think they have ultimate control over us lowly party members, besides just supporting a presidential nominee. A caucus is the only method that will actually increase that political activism that is necessary for us to clean up and retake the inner workings of the Democratic Party from the upper echelons of the DNC.

There are very simple solutions to those problems of the "disenfranchisement" of caucuses that you mentioned. Make it possible for anyone's choice to be represented by an absentee caucus vote, just as those unable to vote in a normal general election can use absentee ballots. Those who don't wish to actively participate in the process of delegate selection should be able to just mail in their choice of who they wish those delegates to support as our candidate.

A little reform of the caucus method is all that's needed. A caucus does consist of real "voices" and, if handled correctly, is honestly much more "representative" and "fair" than any impersonal vote in a primary could be. It's your party...get with it!