ABSTRACT
The manner of selecting “representative” delegates to the national conventions is the crux of legitimate dissatisfaction with the nominating process. The new rules made a fundamental change; the candidates, not the constituents, pick the delegates. The chapter proposes that the parties take charge, resolutely, of improving the presidential nominating process, not leaving the possibility of change to congressional action or to luck. The development of a rational nominating process will improve the two-party system, will strengthen each party, and ultimately increase the people’s confidence in political parties to perform their essential functions in self-government. Restoration of a responsible nominating process demands change, so party leaders can think about all the doubts and guard against the flaws as they seek a system that would result in our getting thinking delegates. The time frame for the election of delegates could be set so that all delegates would be chosen by a date some two months in advance of the national convention.
