Conceptually, a de facto single party system can almost operate like a party-less system. If you squint just right, that's increasingly how California looks. Ca

Conceptually, a de facto single party system can almost operate like a party-less system. If you squint just right, that's increasingly how California looks. California's modified open primary system, which permits two candidates from the same party to compete in the general election, has been enormously influential in this regard. While Republicans lament the open primary has resulted in squeezing them out (despite being the ones wanting the system in the first place), the other side of that coin is Democratic candidates competing against each other for the center, at least in state-wide elections. Without the open primaries the party machine would have much more power, and the voters less power, as is often the case elsewhere where a single party dominates a city or state; but with it, you can get something approximating George Washington's dream. I always roll my eyes when I hear Republicans complain about state politics in California, as if a huge number of Democrats don't have the same gripes. With an open primary system the (D) or (R) needn't matter; just pick the one everybody else is using and then take your case to the public. It sucks for Republican candidates with their heart set on national office, but you can't have everything. Though, maybe Joe Manchin could teach them a trick or two. In any event, I have little sympathy for someone hung up on tribal identity.