National Popular Vote Update

Ok, today has just turned into revisit old postings.  It is not like President Obama named his choice to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court this week or anything.

Back in 2008 I had a discussion about the National Popular Vote Movement.  

For a quick review: this is basically a movement towards a popular vote system without amending the Constitution.  Individual states pass laws that require their electoral votes to be given to the winner of the national popular vote for President.  Once this has passed in the number of states equallying 270 electoral votes, it will effectively make the Electoral College meaningless.  Click here for a link to the website.

Current Status:

5 States have passed a measure into law. (Total of 60 Electoral Votes)

5 Have passed it in both houses of the legislature.

8 Have passed it in one house of the legislature

7 Have passed committee 

8 Have had hearings

15 Have introduced bills

2 Are currently drafting bills

We will see what happens.  I still am not sure whether this is the best idea, but I believe the constitutional implications of enough states passing measures like this will be unique.

Al Gore for President?

August 26, 2008-Denver, CO

The Democratic Race for President has continued to keep the attention of America with a continued close and one might say, “bloody” race between Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton. John Edwards 38 Delegates have turned into the linchpin for the eventual candidate and after four unsuccessful ballots, there has been no winner due to John Edwards holding onto his Delegates. With no change of either candidate winning the nomination without Mr. Edwards’ Delegates the Candidates and party leaders were in closed session until 4 AM attempting to settle the matter once and for all. What came out of that meeting is a shock to the entire party and the nation, prompting an unofficial initial, “Crap” from Senator John McCain.

Facing a deadlock and two candidates who have done all but enter the Octagon and engage in combat, Senators Clinton and Obama, and former Senator Edwards have released their delegates. In addition to this, both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama have withdrawn their names from consideration. What would have caused the Senators not only to release their delegates but also withdraw from the race after months of one of the hardest fought Democratic Primary Seasons in history? The arrival of the Democratic Party’s knight in shinning (yet biodegradable) armor, former Vice President Al Gore.

Al Gore has put his name forward to the convention for consideration as the Democratic Candidate for President. He is now the only candidate up for consideration and will be the Democratic Candidate for President.

This is prompted speculation that this had been the Democratic Plan all along. Let two highly qualified candidates fight it out for months and bloody each other only to have an unscathed and certainly popular candidate come out of no where at the last moment. After McCain’s initial comment his campaign spokesman had this to say:

“This is just another blatant attempt by the so called, “Democratic” Party, to undermine the Democratic Process. First it was not seating delegates from two states and now nominating a candidate who has no delegates who the American people have never had an opportunity to vote for as the Democratic Candidate. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

Strong words from the McCain camp, but one could not help notice the trembling hands of the spokesman while making that statement. This is a completely new race for the Presidency. The next few weeks will tell whether this was one of the greatest political moves of all time, or one of the worst.

Hey, it could happen…

2008 Presidential Election

Roland Martin has got it right.

People need to pay attention to politics, especially the 2008 Presidential Election next year. We get too distracted with our IPODs, XBox 360s, Fantasy Football Teams, and the latest Paris Hilton exploits; things that in the long term really won't matter.

What really has always struck home with me about how important this next election is, is the fact that the next President could appoint as many as Three Supreme Court Justices. This could radically change the makeup of the Court for the next 30 years or so. Think about the issues that are important to you, and what kind of Court you would like to see making the decisions. Then think about which Candidates will nominate those types of Justices.