Which party will recover first from its current self-harm? State primary elections, a fixture of the American federal system, are currently taking place across the country. While these elections traditionally offer insights into party strengths and potential future leaders, this year’s primaries appear to provide little good news. Both Republican and Democratic primary electorates seem preoccupied with past conflicts, rather than focusing on future general election success.

• State primary elections are occurring in the first week of June.
• The American federal system allows states to choose the timing of their primary and local elections.
• Historically, primaries offered clues about party strengths and future leaders.
• This year’s primaries suggest little optimism for either party’s future.
• Both Republican and Democratic primary voters seem focused on past battles.
• Republican voters are following the lead of a president who will soon leave office.
• Democratic voters appear to be endorsing those who most strongly denounce the current president.