(no subject)

[hatman]

338 to 159, with 40 yet to be allocated.

Over 2 to 1 for Obama. And yet the popular vote is split much more closely. With 83% reporting:

Obama: 55,807,702 (52%)

McCain: 50,969,343 (47%)

There's something wrong with that. I said it was wrong in 2000, when it cost us the election. And it seems even more wrong now. 338 is already over 62%. That's a 10 point difference. 20 point difference in the spread. At minimum.

Obama's victory speech made sure to address those who hadn't voted and to call for unity. For us to be the United States of America. And I'm glad of that. I'm glad he sees that. I'm hoping we can make it true.

But the electoral college system has to go. Yes, it makes the small states important. Yes, it would take a constitutional amendment to change. But... all of our votes should count, and they should count equally. We shouldn't have to think about Red States and Blue States. We shouldn't have to worry that the people will vote for one candidate but have the other be elected. It's wrong. And it needs to be fixed.

And those of us looking at that lovely lovely flood of blue across the map have to remember that the reality is purple. And that the race was a lot closer than the electoral count would have us believe.

Comments

[htbthomas.livejournal.com]

I agree, the electoral college system is messed up. Maybe we can see a change in the next few decades.

[leeson.livejournal.com]

While I agree, the amount you are harshing my squee is up there.

[brianamj.livejournal.com]

And that the race was a lot closer than the electoral count would have us believe.

I agree. I'm still living in a grey state. o_O

[pgwfolc.livejournal.com]

The last grey state. Less than 12,000 votes difference out of over 4 million. Just over a quarter of a percent difference. Glad the election is already decided...

[brianamj.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we don't need another Florida.

[batgirl1.livejournal.com]

I agree with you, Paul. (In fact, I'm glad to find another soul who feels the same). I learned somewhere that the electoral college was founded to prevent candidates in big cities from relying on the local vote, while ignoring the less-populated rural areas in their campaigns. Given the dispersion of information we now have and whatnot, I think it's *definitely* time for a change.

Hmm...the last part of that sentence sounds familiar...

So what should we do first? Start a petition? Write to congress?

[pgwfolc.livejournal.com]

Actually, there's a better answer in the comment just below this one, left this afternoon by the wise and knowledgeable kb91:

http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/

Will be posting that link in a new entry later tonight, but thought I'd pass it along for you...

[kb91.livejournal.com]

Yes, it would take a constitutional amendment to change.

Actually, it wouldn't. :) All it would take would be for enough states to agree to give their electoral votes to the person who wins the popular vote. There has been a movement for some time to make that happen. Lots of good info here: http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/

And yay for a clean, solid, AWESOME win for Obama!

[pgwfolc.livejournal.com]

Ooo, shiny! Thanks for the link. Will be sure to pass that along!

And yes... still basking in that blue glow. :)