While the original purpose of the Electoral College — to ensure that Northern states could not get rid of slavery and perpetuate the subjugation of African Americans — has been rendered moot by the 13th, 14th, 15th and 24th Amendments, the primary argument in defense of it is that it prevents the largest states from dominating the smaller states.
But right now the smallest states — Wyoming, Montana, Vermont and Delaware — already have, in the present system, zero say in the outcome of presidential elections.
Just eight medium-sized states — a small number of “swing” states, the “battleground” states that get all the attention and are bombarded by all the ads — dominate all the other forty-two states, regardless of size, large or small.
And unlike in the eighteenth century when states were far more homogenous and distinct in their histories and cultures, today even the large states are not monolithic. There are conservative areas of California (far northern counties and inland and central valleys), New York (upstate and west) and Illinois (downstate) and there are liberal areas of Texas (Houston and Austin) or Florida (Miami-Dade) or even Mississippi and Alabama, in the “black belt” across the middle of those states.
People in urban areas of red states have more in common with those in urban areas of blue states, and those in rural areas of blue states have more in common with those in rural areas of red states. In an age of mass media and high-tech, high-speed communication and transportation, common interests are shared more by interest than by geography.
The original reasons for the Electoral College no longer exist, and the remaining arguments in its defense are no longer valid.
Let every vote count and every vote be counted and weighted equally (right now voters in Wyoming and Montana are weighted almost four times the weight of a California voter, though none of them actually have a say in the final outcome).
I do wonder about the efficacy of political ads. Being in WI, we are bombarded with ads, mostly inane and filled with scare tactics. On the radio, TV, computer, and worst of all, the ubiquitous mailers. The last one comes most every day. The same card Xs 3 voters. What a waste. Almost never creative. Does anyone actually look at these things and say, “oh, I guess I’m all wrong in my support for _______________; I think I’ll support ______________”?
Well, I guess someone is making some $$$, but it sure seems the money could be used more productively.
The latest DMZ just came out. Braindead, et al, if you listen to the last third, you will hear Stantis state, he will never vote for trumpsterweird, and wonders aloud about voting for the Libertarian, Oliver or Harris……………..Rall, who has a permanent soreA$$ for Dems, advises him to vote for Oliver.
There shouldn’t be any in this election. Someone with a rape judgement and 34 felony convictions telling everyone that some minority is eating all the pets should not get a second look, let alone support, defense or a vote.
The dude from FL Premium Member about 18 hours ago
Just vote for Democracy not tyrancy. The dictator will do you no favors
DD Wiz about 18 hours ago
While the original purpose of the Electoral College — to ensure that Northern states could not get rid of slavery and perpetuate the subjugation of African Americans — has been rendered moot by the 13th, 14th, 15th and 24th Amendments, the primary argument in defense of it is that it prevents the largest states from dominating the smaller states.
But right now the smallest states — Wyoming, Montana, Vermont and Delaware — already have, in the present system, zero say in the outcome of presidential elections.
Just eight medium-sized states — a small number of “swing” states, the “battleground” states that get all the attention and are bombarded by all the ads — dominate all the other forty-two states, regardless of size, large or small.
And unlike in the eighteenth century when states were far more homogenous and distinct in their histories and cultures, today even the large states are not monolithic. There are conservative areas of California (far northern counties and inland and central valleys), New York (upstate and west) and Illinois (downstate) and there are liberal areas of Texas (Houston and Austin) or Florida (Miami-Dade) or even Mississippi and Alabama, in the “black belt” across the middle of those states.
People in urban areas of red states have more in common with those in urban areas of blue states, and those in rural areas of blue states have more in common with those in rural areas of red states. In an age of mass media and high-tech, high-speed communication and transportation, common interests are shared more by interest than by geography.
The original reasons for the Electoral College no longer exist, and the remaining arguments in its defense are no longer valid.
Let every vote count and every vote be counted and weighted equally (right now voters in Wyoming and Montana are weighted almost four times the weight of a California voter, though none of them actually have a say in the final outcome).
braindead Premium Member about 17 hours ago
Make your state blue and it won’t be a battleground.
I notice Stantis finally came up with a caricature for Harris. Pretty bland. And the skunk is back.
.
Maybe he’ll do one of JD Vance, or whatever his name is. Don’t forget the mascara.
Must be difficult to parody someone who proudly claims they will make up LIEs whenever it seems useful — and surprise, surprise, that’s all the time.
Fern about 14 hours ago
Is Kamala a weasel or a dog in this cartoon?
WestNYC Premium Member about 12 hours ago
Vote for the Meerkat, or vote against the Skunk. . .
Havel about 12 hours ago
I do wonder about the efficacy of political ads. Being in WI, we are bombarded with ads, mostly inane and filled with scare tactics. On the radio, TV, computer, and worst of all, the ubiquitous mailers. The last one comes most every day. The same card Xs 3 voters. What a waste. Almost never creative. Does anyone actually look at these things and say, “oh, I guess I’m all wrong in my support for _______________; I think I’ll support ______________”?
Well, I guess someone is making some $$$, but it sure seems the money could be used more productively.
fencie about 11 hours ago
Looks like Kamala is portrayed as a laughing hyena. I’ll take that any day over the vile and dangerous alternative.
rossevrymn about 10 hours ago
The latest DMZ just came out. Braindead, et al, if you listen to the last third, you will hear Stantis state, he will never vote for trumpsterweird, and wonders aloud about voting for the Libertarian, Oliver or Harris……………..Rall, who has a permanent soreA$$ for Dems, advises him to vote for Oliver.
RobinHood about 9 hours ago
The one on the left should be a chameleon
William Robbins Premium Member about 9 hours ago
I’m kinda liking the meerkat…
Paul D Premium Member about 9 hours ago
What’s funny is that I’m seeing Harris ads before watching Bill O’Reilly on YouTube.
Her people know what channels conservatives are watching, and run her ads there.
Holden Awn about 8 hours ago
Ah! Kamala as eager puppy. Perfect.
ncorgbl about 7 hours ago
There shouldn’t be any in this election. Someone with a rape judgement and 34 felony convictions telling everyone that some minority is eating all the pets should not get a second look, let alone support, defense or a vote.
kaffekup about 6 hours ago
Sorry, just not appreciating the “laughing hyena” trumpspew from Stantis. He could have done better.
Maybe he can’t.
Sun about 4 hours ago
Putin will maintain ownership of Harris if Harris wins the 2024 election.
Sun about 4 hours ago
Vote Republican to remove every Deadbeat Democrat from office.