The lack of a primary does two things: It prevents the selection of a good candidate, but also robs the anointed of legitimacy. The DNC doesn't believe in democracy, and told voters as much by putting its fingers onto the scale. Or removing the scale outright, in the case of Kamala.
You cannot prove your merit, if there is no contest.
I think we need an entirely different economic model, where there are hard limits on income, wealth, and assets. I don't mind people being wealthy, but that definition should be something like: "I am a CEO, I get paid twice as much as a waitress. I own a very nice house, a small yacht, and spend time riding horses at the country club. My husband works as a mechanic, and only makes $10,000 less a year than me."
It would require a huge rethink on economy, the nature of wealth, implementing a strong UBI, and replacing the dollar with a fresh currency. Still, I think a complete replacement of how things were done would be key for America to become a nation worthy of the people who live in it.