The Primary Solution - by Nick Troiano (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In a divided America, the biggest solvable problem fueling political extremism and dysfunction is hiding in plain sight: party primaries. The Primary Solution is the "thought-provoking" (Arnold Schwarzenegger) answer the country needs.

Congress has become an unproductive and unaccountable mess. Polls show that only twenty percent of Americans think it's doing a good job--yet ninety percent of incumbents are reelected. This shocking discrepancy is a natural outcome of our system of party primaries and their polarizing incentives.

Party primaries were invented over a century ago to democratize candidate nominations, but today their exclusionary rules and low turnout guarantee the exact opposite: only a small fraction of votes wind up deciding the vast majority of our elections. The result is a Congress that, rather than representing a majority of Americans, is instead beholden to the fringes of both major parties. This is the "primary problem" in our politics today. Fortunately, The Primary Solution "illuminates a powerful yet practical pathway out" (James Stavridis, Admiral, US Navy, Retired) and is "a must-read for anyone who wants a sane democracy" (Danielle Allen, author of Our Declaration).

Nick Troiano, founding executive director of Unite America, makes a bold proposal to abolish party primaries in our country. Doing so does not require a Constitutional amendment or an act of Congress. In fact, several states have already replaced party primaries with nonpartisan primaries that give all the voters the freedom to vote for any candidate in every election, regardless of party.

"A fresh, timely political analysis" (Kirkus Reviews), The Primary Solution offers voters across the political spectrum a realistic roadmap to a more representative and functional democracy.

Review Quotes

"The Primary Solution shows how our political system is designed to empower extremists, how we can fix it, and how the vast majority of Americans stand to gain from more open and democratic elections that lead to more sensible and practical government."--Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies, former mayor of New York City

"The Primary Solution makes the strongest case yet for modernizing partisan primaries -- to elect leaders who are loyal to their constituents, not their party."--Kim Wyman, former Washington Secretary of State

"A bold proposal for significant political change. . . . Argues forcefully for abolishing partisan primaries that allow participation only by voters registered as Republican or Democrat. . . . A fresh, timely political analysis."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"A must read for anyone who wants a sane democracy."--Danielle Allen, professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy, Harvard University

"America's greatest threat is our own internal division. We have wandered into a dark forest of bitter discourse and growing animosity. The Primary Solution illuminates a powerful yet practical pathway out...We should grasp it with courage and enthusiasm."--James Stavridis, Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired); 16th Supreme Allied Commander at NATO

"Thought provoking ideas to terminate polarization and extremism in America."--Arnold Schwarzenegger, 38th Governor of California