Bradley A. Smith

In this discussion, Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist, and Kate Shaw, a constitutional law professor, argue that the Electoral College subverts the will of the majority. They highlight historical failures, including presidents who won without the popular vote. Countering this, Tara Ross and Bradley A. Smith stress the necessity of the system for minority representation and political balance. The debate examines whether the original intentions of the founders align with modern democratic ideals, leaving listeners to weigh the pros and cons of reform versus retention.

Join Bradley Smith, former Federal Election Commission member, and Nicholas Stephanopoulos, a leading scholar in election law, as they dive into the murky waters of partisan gerrymandering. They unravel its historical roots, from Gilded Age tactics to today's contentious redistricting in states like Texas and California. Explore the tension between fair representation and partisan advantage, and hear compelling arguments for independent redistricting commissions. The duo also examines how gerrymandering fuels political polarization and challenges the democratic process.