Who won the popular vote in 2012?
8 11 2012Click here for the story.
While the world overwhelmingly knows the electoral results of last night’s election, it’s interesting to note that this “near landslide” victory had a popular vote difference of only 2%. Back in October, many were predicting a split election like in 2000, with one candidate winning the popular vote and another taking the electoral, but, luckily, that was not the case. However, studies like this of the electoral versus the popular vote raise important questions. In this day and age, in the height of information exchange and mass media, do we really need the electoral college system? Would it be better for us just to go off the popular vote? If we were to eradicate the electoral college, what type of say would small states like Iowa have in the real election? As it is now, some densely populated areas like California receive next-to-no attention, while millions of dollars are spent on a small number of votes in Nevada. Is that fair?
This article raises some interesting questions and is definitely newsworthy. I think it is a good article because it’s long enough to get the point across, but you don’t have to search and search for the statistics you want to know.
You should also remember that the election isn’t final until December when the electoral college votes are cast. This race reminded me of Jefferson’s re-election in 1800. Two-thirds of the country’s newspapers attacked him relentlessly, but he won. Given the chance (and some poking) people are able to make up their own minds.