Eliminating open primaries isn’t necessarily a bad thing - as long as they are replaced with closed primaries where only registered republicans can vote.
However, the “conscience clause” is nothing less than removing the voice of the people, just in case it goes against the will of the party. If bound delegates can unbind themselves, then the party deserves to die, and the party “leaders” deserve to politically wither.
I agree on point 2. Disagree on point 1.
2) the “conscience clause” is nothing less than removing the voice of the people -— yes, it’s all subject to interpretation. It’s completely Subjective - based on personal opinion. No need for an election.
1) Demographics are NOT in our favor. Many states have larger Independents registered than republicans. Republicans are being marginalized and need the Indy vote. We can’t win without it. Many Indys are very conservative and ticked off republicans that are sick of being repeatedly fooled in their home state or on the national level. Do not discount them.
20+ states have Open Primaries. It is a state’s issue and it’s their choice. South Carolina is a great example since they are so early in the process. It is a diverse state demographically and boasts a strong republican turnout. South Carolina has picked the winning R nominee correctly for the past 40 years, but once (Newt rather than Mitt-’12).
If the Republican party was hell-bent on cheating/stealing Trump out of this nomination, I’d predict that millions of voters would have cancelled their life-long republican registrations and became independents. Myself included.