How have pirmary elections changed national conventions?

Answer 1

Due to constant and partisan redistricting, the major political parties are doing their best/worst to influence primary elections. In another day and age some would say they are "rigging" elections. This is a subtle ploy to have primary elections mirror the national conventions. Major leaders in both parties can and will say they are just carrying out the "wishes" of the voters. There can still be room for an dark horse to emerge, but these candidates are usually greeted with scornful talk of being an aberration. Or worse yet, with talk about how this shows that the "American Way" is still working.