An idea: Reforming the way Democrats elect their leaders

I'm talking about the leaders in Washington. House and Senate.

I believe we should hold policy conventions a couple of months after every 2 year election cycles. During those conventions, the DNC chairman and the House and Senate leadership should be elected by the Democratic delegates (not as they are currently selected: by Washington insiders). They would serve the two year term. The Democratic agenda for that term would be decided on and agreed to by the people and then we'd do it all over again two years later.

Who thinks this is a good/bad idea? And why?

a candidate after one primary/caucus. :eyes:

The qualities that make an effective caucus leader aren't neccessarily the same ones that appeal to someone involved in party affairs.

I've been on both sides of the equation. I've been a party official and a legislator, and we are talking about two different worlds.

and give them a clear voice. But can this be accomplished within the Party?

They lead their CAUCUS. That's their constituency. You may not like that, but guess what? Every single member of that constituency has won the support of Democratic primary voters in their state. I'd be willing to bet that more Democrats have voted for the Democratic caucus members in Congress that would participate in the conventions you propose.

It's funny, back in the 1960s, the left-wing attacked the convention and caucus system that was used to select delegates to the national convention. They thought it was too elitist. And they succeeed in opening up the selection process to more people through primaries. Apparently, the left-wing isn't satisfied with this approach any more, and want to go back to the old system.

It would make the leadership and the caucus itself more accountable to the people whom THEY REPRESENT. That's the key.

We're light years ahead of R's and voters agree with us once they understand what we stand for.

Dems have to work on message, cohesion, marketing and grassroots building.

Is because of our "representatives."