Dan Stockman with the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette provides us with the quadrennial reminder that the President is not elected democratically.
Of course, we are really voting for electors who, in turn, are presumed to be dependable in voting for one candidate or another.
If you’re like most Americans, you probably think there was a presidential election on Nov. 4 and that Sen. Barack Obama was the winner.
In fact, the presidential election is Monday, and the results won’t be known until votes are counted Jan. 6.
Technically true, I suppose, but until a faithless elector affects the outcome of the election, not very important.
I think states should award their electoral votes proportionately. That would help prevent another unpopular president. Best if we could just eliminate the electoral college all together, but until thin proportional assignment would be more democratic.
This could happen if something dramatic happened between the popular vote and the ‘real election’.
Consider what might have occurred it the presumptive president-elect were found to be involved in selling off his vacant seat, for example.
I don’t think there’s any indication that he was – it just provides a timely and compelling hypothetical.
A more interesting case would be if the nominee died in the interim – grim to talk about, but possible.
What eclecticvibe said should have been done years ago.
Consider what would happen if Obama ate a baby on live TV before the electors meet. I don’t think it would happen. But consider it.