Popular Revolt

How can the Electoral College be a bad thing? It sounds so … what’s the opposite of uneducated? It has been an American institution for more than 220 years. That’s longer than “under God” has been in the Pledge of Allegiance! Don’t mess with a tradition that works. But that’s exactly what Governor Moonbeam is trying to do. Jerry Brown recently signed legislation providing California’s support for the National Popular Vote movement. This suspiciously sounding initiative advocates for national election for president by popular vote, rather than by the classic, sacred Electoral College. I see this as nothing more than sour grapes. The Electoral College has been a liberal target since George W. Bush beat Al Gore in the 2000 election, despite losing the popular vote. Crybabies! Get over it. Brown said: “It seems logical that the occupant of the White House should be the candidate who wins the most votes. That is basic, fair democracy.” Haven’t you heard of hanging chads and the Supreme Court? You lost. Move On, for gosh sakes. So now California adds its clout – and 55 electoral votes – to the movement to do away with the Electoral College. Who else is supporting this? New York. Vermont. Massachusetts. New Jersey. And Illinois. Not a red state in sight. Previously, California Governator Schwarzenegger vetoed National Popular Vote legislation, calling it “counter to the tradition of our great nation, which honors states rights.” But advocates are pressing on and hope to enlist enough support from other states to replace the Electoral College in time for the 2016 presidential election – the legislation would take effect nationwide if states controlling a majority of electoral votes agree. Prior to 2000, three presidents had won election without carrying the popular vote. The last one was Benjamin Harrison in 1888. With powerhouse presidents like Bush and Harrison, I shudder to think of what the American people would have been denied if the “popular” vote had won out.