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We the People
How Should We Elect the President?
Oct 31, 2024
Jesse Wegman, a member of The New York Times editorial board and author advocating for abolishing the Electoral College, faces off against Robert Hardaway, a law professor who argues in favor of its preservation. The discussion dives into the complexities of the Electoral College and its alternatives like ranked choice voting. They debate the implications of a national popular vote, potential legal challenges in a contested election, and the constitutional authority of governors in certifying results. Both present compelling arguments about the future of electoral integrity and democracy.
59:12
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Quick takeaways
- Abolishing the Electoral College is advocated to uphold political equality and ensure that every vote carries equal weight in a democratic society.
- Supporters of the Electoral College claim it prevents voter fragmentation and maintains the interests of smaller states in a national election process.
Deep dives
Arguments for Abolishing the Electoral College
The case for abolishing the Electoral College emphasizes the principles of political equality and majority rule as fundamental to a modern democracy. Proponents argue that the current system allows candidates to win the presidency while receiving fewer votes than their opponents, thus violating the essence of majority rule. Furthermore, it is contended that the Electoral College leads to unequal voting power, where the significance of a vote varies depending on the state in which it is cast. These inequalities highlight the need for a national popular vote that would ensure every vote carries the same weight, reflecting a true democratic standard.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode