[mysterio]

Closed primaries are a necessity.

I disagree. You want a candidate who is going to pull the independents in during the general. Closed primaries will filter out independents. Hence, more dud candidates.

[airborne]

I have to disagree with you. Closed primaries will filter out more Democrats fouling the water than it will Independents, who should know going in that they couldn't vote in Republican primaries.

The open primary is what gives us duds like McCain.