Yes, I know a lot of folks buy off on this.
Look, do you think the open primaries in the early primary states served us well in 2008? We had crossover democrats electing our nominee. By the time some decent primaries rolled around McCain was already the guy.
The Republican party officials set the rules. They know what they are doing. They choreograph these elections just so.
They pour tons of money in for their guy. Your guy gets a paltry sum from well meaning supporters, and lives to lick his wounds after the election.
Haven’t you seen this play out over and over and over again?
I sure have.