PUBLIC REJECTS PRESIDENTIAL RACE – AT 11:51 A.M. ET:  Polls are now confirming the general perception that the American public is unhappy with both major choices in the presidential race.  Indeed, I've never seen a rejection of the candidates this great.  From The Hill:   

Most Americans are frustrated with the 2016 presidential election, according to a new poll released Saturday.

Seventy percent of respondents described themselves as frustrated with the election, while more than half, including majorities of both Republicans and Democrats, called themselves angry, the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found.

Only 23 percent said they were excited about the election, while 37 percent felt hopeful.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of those surveyed said the presidential race is interesting, compared to the 30 percent who called it boring.

The poll was conducted among 1,060 adults from May 12-15 with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percent.

COMMENT:  I sense that more and more people are asking, "Is this the best we can do?"  On the Republican side, fine governors and senators with proved ability were tossed aside in favor of a reality-show star and real-estate blowhard with no public-policy experience.  On the Democratic side voters are given a choice between the queen of dishonesty and a small-time clown who took the Young People's Socialist League too seriously.  Not a great showing. 

Political parties are private organizations.  They can make their own rules.  They might look at these rules, and, indeed, the entire primary system, and make changes that are more likely to produce better candidates.

May 29, 2016