Are Primary Elections Ruining Democracy?
Open to Debate4 Nov 2022

Are Primary Elections Ruining Democracy?

The U.S. Constitution has a lot to say about elections. But nowhere is there any mention of political primaries, the process by which candidates are winnowed down ahead of a general election. Though they may seem integral to the U.S. system, primaries in fact are a relatively new phenomenon, borne of the turn of the 20th century when reformers sought to wrangle power from political party bosses. Of course, quite a lot has changed since the days of Tammany Hall. Gerrymandering has greatly reduced competitive districts, while the urban-rural divide has grown exponentially. Divisions run deep, with social media capable of dramatically shifting the political landscape at unprecedented speed. Many see primary elections as a principal culprit of what they consider an undermined democracy, fueling extremism, hindering compromise, and lending too much power to partisans. Others argue that primaries are an important bulwark against political corruption and a hedge against elitism. In this context, we ask: Are Primary Elections Ruining Democracy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episoder(455)

Think Twice About The Meaning of Your Life with Arthur C. Brooks

Think Twice About The Meaning of Your Life with Arthur C. Brooks

At some point, we all ask: “Is this what I’m meant to do?” In this "Think Twice" episode, social scientist Arthur C. Brooks joins Open to Debate's CEO Lia Matthow to explore why meaning feels harder t...

2 Apr 53min

Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars?

Should the U.S. Prioritize Settling Mars?

NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission — a major step back into deep space to explore the Moon. But as NASA, SpaceX, and other private companies are also working on plans to make Mars humanity’s...

26 Mar 53min

Has Legalizing Sports Gambling Become A Bad Bet?

Has Legalizing Sports Gambling Become A Bad Bet?

Sports fans can place bets on their favorite teams and athletes faster and easier than before, thanks to legalized sports gambling. But was it the wrong bet to make? Advocates say it’s been good for f...

19 Mar 53min

The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?

The Future of Film: Big Screen or Stream?

Where do you watch the latest movie everyone’s talking about—on Netflix at home or in a packed theater? Are theaters the irreplaceable heart of cinema, creating cultural moments and spectacle, or is s...

13 Mar 53min

Will AI Make Work Obsolete?

Will AI Make Work Obsolete?

AI can write code, diagnose diseases, design buildings, and create art. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude and autonomous robots are transforming industries once seen as automation-proof, fueling fears of mas...

6 Mar 53min

Generational Divides with Nick Gillespie: The Golden Age of News Media

Generational Divides with Nick Gillespie: The Golden Age of News Media

Are we in a News Media Golden Age, or a fragmented era? In this “Generational Divides” episode, Reason editor-at-large Nick Gillespie brings together Baby Boomer, Millennial, and Gen Z voices to debat...

26 Feb 53min

Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Will the Market Crash in 2026? With Andrew Ross Sorkin

Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Will the Market Crash in 2026? With Andrew Ross Sorkin

Today we're playing you an episode of Smart Girl Dumb Questions, a show hosted by journalist and frequent Open to Debate guest moderator Nayeema Raza. She speaks to Andrew Ross Sorkin about some highl...

24 Feb 1h 22min

Think Twice About War, Tech, & Dirty Supply Chains: The Elements of Power with Nicolas Niarchos

Think Twice About War, Tech, & Dirty Supply Chains: The Elements of Power with Nicolas Niarchos

Your smartphone feels sleek and futuristic—but the supply chain behind it is anything but. In this conversation with moderator-in-chief John Donvan, journalist and “The Elements of Power” author Nicol...

20 Feb 53min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
popradet
forklart
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
stopp-verden
dine-penger-pengeradet
rss-gukild-johaug
det-store-bildet
rss-ness
nokon-ma-ga
hanna-de-heldige
fotballpodden-2
aftenbla-bla
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
rss-dannet-uten-piano
rss-utenrikskomiteen-med-bogen-og-grasvik
e24-podden
bt-dokumentar-2