Primary voters can get confused between candidates whose ideology is very similar, so they look to the party elders.
This quote highlights a common phenomenon in politics where voters, unable to differentiate between similar candidates, rely heavily on the guidance of experienced party figures. It underscores the importance of leadership and experience in influencing voter decisions, especially in crowded or closely aligned candidate pools. Such reliance can bolster the authority of party elders but may also diminish the significance of policy differences or candidate qualities. This dynamic reflects the broader democratic process where trust in tradition and established figures can shape electoral outcomes, occasionally at the expense of understanding nuanced policy positions.