Since 2008, the Democratic Party in the United States has not experienced a truly competitive presidential primary. This lack of internal competition, I believe, has contributed to the party's struggle to produce genuinely inspiring presidential candidates for more than a decade.

Consider what happened in 2016: President Barack Obama strongly favored Hillary Clinton as his successor, and the party establishment worked to ensure her nomination. While primaries are intended to reflect the will of the voters, the Democratic leadership retained considerable influence over the outcome -- and exercised it accordingly.

A similar pattern emerged in 2020. Joe Biden's campaign began with disappointing results in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Nevertheless, once moderate contenders dropped out and rallied behind him, Biden was able to consolidate support and effectively halt Bernie Sanders' momentum.

By 2024, the party had foregone a primary process altogether. This departure from tradition stands in stark contrast to the Democratic Party's historic openness to political outsiders -- a legacy that includes figures like Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Competitive primaries are vital to a party's health. They offer a proving ground where candidates are tested, vetted, and challenged on substantive issues. The process not only strengthens the eventual nominee but also enhances their legitimacy in the eyes of the electorate.

If the Democrats hope to present a compelling candidate in 2028, they must return to this foundational principle: fair and competitive primaries.