'System' of choosing presidents pretty crazy
Primaries and caucuses add to the confusion
By Paul O'Connor
Winston-Salem Journal
RALEIGH - In November 2000, American voters were stunned to discover that what had happened to President Grover Cleveland in 1888 could happen again - a candidate could lose the presidency despite getting the most popular votes.
The world stood shocked. The country that promotes itself as the greatest democracy was hung up for a month, counting chads and arguing over 700 or so Florida votes when the candidate who would eventually lose had won 500,000 more votes than the winner.
As we approach Tuesday’s “Super-Duper Tuesday” national primary, with roughly half the national convention delegates at play in 24 states, here’s an observation: We have one heck of a screwy way of nominating and electing presidents.
By Paul O'Connor
Winston-Salem Journal
RALEIGH - In November 2000, American voters were stunned to discover that what had happened to President Grover Cleveland in 1888 could happen again - a candidate could lose the presidency despite getting the most popular votes.
The world stood shocked. The country that promotes itself as the greatest democracy was hung up for a month, counting chads and arguing over 700 or so Florida votes when the candidate who would eventually lose had won 500,000 more votes than the winner.
As we approach Tuesday’s “Super-Duper Tuesday” national primary, with roughly half the national convention delegates at play in 24 states, here’s an observation: We have one heck of a screwy way of nominating and electing presidents.
posted by Andy W. Rogers | 5:13 PM
1 Comments:
Ok, Paul, so let's hear your suggestion on how to improve things. Or maybe not. Given that you have demonstrated your journalistic credentials in the past, moving to your idea would be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. As for that "greatest democracy in the world" bit, no thanks. I'd prefer that we focused on returning to being the greatest constitutional republic in the world.
There is no reason for the chief executive to be selected by popular vote. Personally, I'd like to see him nominated by the House of Representatives and elected by the Senate. That is, if we would also get rid of the twin abominations of a popularly elected Senate and universal suffrage.
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