This political cliche predates Papa by about 23 years. Presidential candidates were selected by varying and changing methods by the main political parties. Nominations were done by delegates at a national convention with attendees selected at local or state caucuses/conventions. Presidential primaries existed but they were often used to elect a state’s “favorite son” who in addition to being a potential candidate/dark horse controlled that state’s delegate votes for other candidates. Unlike most recent party conclaves both parties had sessions with multiple roll call votes. Bargaining for votes was usual. It is easy to imagine all manner of trades, promises and concessions as candidates inched closer to victory.

I remember 1960 as having two important primaries. One was in Wisconsin where JFK won. Because he was Catholic there was great interest in the primary in West Virginia, He won there also proving vote getting ability in a mostly Protestant state. I believe he arrived in LA still short of delegates. The deficit was made up in the ways of politics back then. Since 1960 there has been greater emphasis on primaries. Most states now select delegates by popular vote. The election season is extended for nearly a year with debates between declared candidates starting in the year before election year. Candidates must prove themselves to the voters. Or, so says the myth.

Papa previously wrote that he has distain for states with voter registration by party affiliation. My roots were registering to vote period. No registration by party that gives the impression that a voter actually agrees with party principles. If a citizen wants to join a party join. Pay dues. Attend meetings. Engage in establishing party principles. Don’t just be a lemming. However, lemmings are what political parties desire. Don’t think, pull the correct lever. Keep pulling that lever. That party designation gives you a voice. Follow that voice. Or, at least pull that lever. That is democracy in action.

Unless of course it is 2024 and you are a democrat lemming. You may soon have a nominee for President that has not won a primary. Has garnered no delegates to the national convention. Who is about to be anointed the party candidate by the 2024 version of a smoke filled room. Not as in a Chicago hotel but via modern communication between the party bosses who of course know what is good for the lemmings. Not bosses in the 1920 style but rather via messages between big time donors, the party’s gushing media and a very few party Poobahs. Why not? Who needs a democratic process? The best and the brightest knows that this election is so important because the Republicans want to end democracy and never ever allow voting in the future. It makes perfect sense to forego voting or mini-primaries when staving off folks who will forego voting and primaries/elections in the future. Doesn’t it? Don’t contemplate too long on that one. The media calls it a stroke of genius that an old duffer with millions of votes and nearly all the delegates should be jettisoned. Lemmings, pay attention and pull that lever for democracy.

Yikes. Whether Trump can be beaten is uncertain at this stage. That does not matter as much as the damage that would be done to party members down ballot if Biden was trounced. Even a Harris loss should be closer and more Poobahs will survive. Can’t have enough Poobahs. Strange that I did not see white smoke from a chimney announcing this year’s anointment. Miracles can happen. I think it took four primaries and one victory to anoint Biden in 2020. Who needs lemmings for primaries? Especially when a popular Hollywood star knows best. He’s so gorgeous he’s got to be smart.

is it possible that George Washington was right? Who needs political parties? Beware. It might be smart to use your noggin and decline becoming a lemming. A new era of good governance and country first. If only. Cheer up we have Progressives ; smack back to 1920.