Gird your loins, folks. Because the rumblings are already starting.
Stories are starting to percolate here and there. Trump will win the popular vote but lose the vote in the Electoral College. Just like 2000. Except this time, absent a 2016 version of a butterfly ballot that sparked a recount and a navigation of appellate courts, we are going to be told, “sorry, it’s the rules.” A far cry, for instance from the calls back in 2000 (including hyperbole from the Democrats’ current nominee) of the antiquated Electoral College system. It will be interesting to hear her rhetoric when this antiquated system works in her party’s FAVOR.
Sixteen years have passed since the Democrat sturm und drang over the Electoral College. For four of those years, the Democrats ran Congress and for the last two of those four, they controlled all two of the three branches of government. At no time during that period did the Democrats move to amend the Constitution, ridding America of the “scourge” of the Electoral College.
And believe me – Congress? Never will, Why? Because the possibility always exists, no matter how small, that a tie or failure to secure the required majority of Electoral votes will force the election to the House (and it did happen twice – in 1800 and 1824) . And in the House, each state gets ONE vote, making Rhode Island as powerful as California. And there are goodies, appointments and favors to be had for that ONE vote. So they raised a fuss but they shut up the minute they realized he really DID win Florida, according to three recounts that included everything but the mind-reading of the Amazing Kreskin.
Now I say this as a precaution only and as indication of “what they’re saying out there.” Personally, I still think Trump will take both. Well, HOPING. And PRAYING. Deals with the Almighty are next.
All but two states – Maine and Nebraska – employ a winner take all system. So here’s the subject I’d like to throw out there because this is a group of intelligent people with strong and informed opinions. So today’s essay question is two parts —
1. Should we get rid of the Electoral College? Since there is a call for an Article V Convention of States, should an amendment be proposed calling for the Direct election of the President/Vice President
2. Alternatively, what about changing statutory law requiring the apportionment of electoral votes by winner of the Congressional District, with the two electoral votes representing the state’s Senators going to the popular vote winner of the state. In this way, ALL votes matter. While it would certainly enfranchise conservatives in liberal states, would it work more to the advantage of liberals in conservative ones?
And remember…grammar, spelling and neatness counts.
