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Should we change the way we elect presidents? Can we?
Oct 17, 2024
Historian Alex Keyssar, a Harvard professor and expert on the Electoral College, dives into the U.S. presidential election process and its flaws. He highlights the paradox of winning the presidency without the popular vote and the implications of the winner-takes-all system. Keyssar explores modern alternatives, including the push for a national popular vote, and discusses the resistance from political leaders wary of losing influence. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of reform and emphasizes the importance of voter engagement in shaping a more democratic electoral future.
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Quick takeaways
- The Electoral College creates a democratic deficit that sometimes results in the popular vote loser becoming president, skewing national representation.
- Potential reforms, including a national popular vote and proportional allocation of electoral votes, face significant challenges due to political and historical complexities.
Deep dives
Flaws of the Electoral College
The Electoral College is criticized for creating a democratic deficit where the candidate who wins the popular vote may not become president. This system encourages campaigns to focus on a few swing states, neglecting the wider electorate and restricting meaningful dialogue on national issues. Consequently, the election process becomes less representative of the entire country, as certain demographics and regions are often ignored in favor of swing voters. These flaws highlight the tension between the electoral system and true democratic principles.
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