Nearly half of Americans identify as independent. So why are millions unable to participate in the primary elections that help determine who represents them? Jeremy Gruber, Senior Vice President of Open Primaries, joins Michael Smerconish for a conversation about America’s primary election system, political polarization, and the role independent voters play in our democracy. Gruber argues that closed primaries exclude independent voters from taxpayer-funded elections, leaving a relatively small group of party-affiliated voters with enormous influence over which candidates advance to the general election. But would opening primaries actually change our politics? Michael challenges Gruber on some of the biggest questions surrounding election reform: Would open primaries weaken political parties? Could voters manipulate opposing parties’ elections? And is there evidence that opening primaries produces more moderate candidates? Gruber makes an important distinction: The goal isn’t necessarily moderation. It’s better representation. They also examine the different primary systems used across the country, including recent changes in New Mexico and alternative approaches in California, Washington, Nebraska, and Alaska. With the 2026 midterms approaching, the conversation raises a fundamental question: Should political parties decide who gets to participate in primary elections, or should every voter have a voice? Watch Michael Smerconish’s conversation with Jeremy Gruber and share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe for more independent political analysis, interviews, and conversations about the issues shaping America. #MichaelSmerconish#JeremyGruber#OpenPrimaries#IndependentVoters#ElectionReform
Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
