Out of 5 primaries today, Rhode Island is the only one that had a semi-open primary, with the other four states having closed primaries. And surprise surprise, Sanders is winning Rhode Island by 15 points while losing (or in the case of Connecticut tying) the other states.
To me, this just further shows that had elections been truly democratic and everyone could vote, it would have been a much closer race. And yes, I realize different demographics among states so Sanders would still have lost Maryland, Delaware, and MAYBE Pennsylvania. However, it seems pretty evident that a semi-closed v. closed primary produced a 10-15 point swing. Specifically, Connecticut and Rhode Island are pretty similar demographically. Yes, Connecticut has 10% v. 5% African Americans for Rhode Island, but that does not explain a 15 point difference in the results between these two states.
So whatever. Call me a bitter a bitter Sanders supporter but Clinton’s victory today is tainted — just like it was in New York. If the Democrat establishment truly cares about growing the electorate as opposed to protecting status quo, this closed primary crap will be changed. If on the other hand the establishment is happy to continue either eking out narrow victories or losing to republicans, the system will state in place.