Steve Holland — Trump likely to reward loyalty with top appointments

Unsurprising. Loyalty is the most important political virtue. It dominates not only party politics but all hierarchical organizations including business and the military.

Conversely, party regulars view Trump and those who joined him as betraying then party and being disloyal.

This is a serious disconnect that can't be papered over because it is grounded in deep emotion.

There will be talk about healing but trust has been broken.

Reuters
Trump likely to reward loyalty with top appointments

Steve Holland

Democracy in America — The Role of Political Parties

In a modern democratic republic, citizens vote from a slate of candidates that their parties have nominated. Therefore, the selection process determined the degree to which citizens have an actual choice. Until the advent of primaries, the selection process was confined mostly to the internal politics of the various parties. The primaries introduced more democracy into the political process.

Now the question is whether the selection process is actually democratic, as both the Democratic and Republican establishments insert themselves into the process by party rules. This election is therefore a crucial test of democracy in America.

Raw Story
How the #NeverTrump movement could drive the GOP over a cliff
Joshua Holland

Consortium News
Democrats March Toward Cliff

Robert Parry