Me personally this will be the first time I vote in the 8 years I've been eligible to vote lol. I've not been big on politics or the government but Obama I think would be a great leader. I'm one of those people that thinks the "Popular Vote" doesn't matter as long as there is an Electoral College, cause 9 times out of 10 it's the EC that chooses the Pres and not the Public. But I figured might as well vote this year and see if anything happens.

If Popular Vote was the deciding factor Bush would have NEVER been president - Just my Opinion.

Agreed.

I'll vote this fall this fall like I always do (can't vote in the primarys, I'm an independent), but like always how I or anyone else votes doesn't matter... the electoral college decides who the president is.

Until the US federally regulates election laws, practices & standards; takes the power to codify election laws away from the states; and eliminates the electoral college, super delegates and "powers that be" that can overrule a popular vote... voting for president is meaningless (always has been).

When the country was founded, there was a need for the electoral college... it is not needed anymore though.

Not voting.

If I did, I'd do a write in, and vote for myself.

Or, less specifically, anyone not named Obama.

I believe you are confusing party nomination with the federal election system.

Any party is free to determine how they nominate a person to represent the party in an election. The only requirements (federal) for anyone to run is they be 35+ years of age and a US citizen. You do have to follow each states law to be placed on their respective ballots.

We do not live in a democracy. We will in a representative republic. There is a difference.

The system works. If you wanted to get rid of the electoral college, it would require a amendment to the constitution. Since Article 2 and the 12th amendment of the constitution apply to the election of president and vice president.

Only 4 times in US history has a person been elected president without winning the popular vote. 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000.

It only because it has happened in recent memory have people complained about the system. I am sure there were complaints in those other years too.


The Electoral College System

DarksieD almost has me ready to go with the Deranged Circus Monkey.
if this election were football, we would punt and get a new set of downs.

I like the football option if the DCM campaign never takes flight.

I'd vote for DiP!

I'm glad someone brought this up! The electoral college, and the delegate system for that matter, are archaic systems used to keep power in the hands of the wealthy and already powerful. Same ol' story. I still vote though. I'm with Howard Stern on the issue. Oust it!

Warsong, I think the point is it CAN happen, and has, in recent years.

So show me a system which works better than what we have.

It is perfect? No. But no system every thought up is. It is there to provide a check and balance. Just like our bi-cameral congress. Or would you like to see the senate dissolved? And all laws passed by the house? (since your representatives are directly based on population) Under the "popular vote" system which people here suggest. Only the states with the largest populations would pass laws for the entire nation. Again channeling power into a select few. Sorry, no I like the system as it is.

Every system since mankind began forming communities has always channeled power to the wealthy.

Howard Stern would be the first person complaining about the system if it was thrown out.

To do so would take a direct change to the constitution. So are you advocating scrapping that section and amendment? Why stop there? Just get rid of the entire constitution (its all archaic), lets start again?