US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
How is the president elected?? On Election day, November 8th, US citizens “voted” for the President and Vice President. Electoral College: a body of electors chosen by the voters in each state to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Who were actually elected were ELECTORS who represent the political party of the candidate the individual voter votes for.
WHY? The electoral college was a way in which the states would have a voice in the election of a President. States are represented in the Electoral college according to the number of senators/representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives. Each state is allocated a number of electors equal to the number of US Senators (2) and the number of US Representatives. The 23rd Amendment added 3 electors for the District of Columbia in 1961. Total electors is 538 so 270 (>50%) is needed to be elected.
HISTORY As originally stated in the US Constitution, the election process was meant to be a contest of individuals not political parties. With George Washington it worked. But after him with the rise of political parties it produced unexpected outcomes. Did not vote for President or Vice President. Rather voted for individuals.
12th Amendment ratified in 1804 In 1800 Thomas Jefferson & Aaron Burr both received the same number of votes in the Electoral college. After 35 votes, House of Representatives finally selected Thomas Jefferson as President. 12TH Amendment differentiated between the two offices. In effect the party system was constitutionally recognized. Now vote separately for office of President & Vice President.
GEORGE BUSH 271 ELECTORAL VOTES; 50,456,062 ALBERT GORE 266 ELECTORAL VOTES; 50,996,582
GEORGE BUSH 286 ELECTORAL VOTES; 62,039,073 JOHN KERRY 251 ELECTORAL VOTES; 59,027,478
BARACK OBAMA 365 ELECTORAL VOTES; 69,456,897 JOHN MCCAIN 173 ELECTORAL VOTES. 59,534,814
BARACK OBAMA 332 ELECTORAL VOTES; 65,446,032 MITT ROMNEY 206 ELECTORAL VOTES; 60,589,084
How are candidates selected How are candidates selected? Both candidates were the least popular in recent history! Why 18 months and cost of $ 2.5 billion??
Donald Trump Announced June 11, 2015 First poll in July 2015 showed 17% support There were 16 Republican candidates First votes were in Iowa on February 1, 2015 - Trump was second Second vote was New Hampshire on February 9, 2015 which he won Series of debates, additional primaries, state caucuses where Trump continues to gather delegates May 2016 he has obtained needed number of delegates
Hillary Clinton April 12, 2015 she announces running for President Only real opponent is Bernie Sanders Wins Iowa by narrow margin Loses New Hampshire June has obtained the nomination; combination of elected and "super" delegates.
FULL DISCLOSURE
Donald Trump Request quotes from columnists for the New York Times: Indecent human being Donald Trump was a bigot Man ill prepared for the highest office Personally given to impetuous anger, meanness and petulance Vladimir Putin favored Trump for a reason: He believes he will make America weaker.
Hillary Clinton Prior qualifications Prior history of controversy Private email Clinton Foundation First woman to run for President
HILLARY CLINTON 237 ELECTORAL VOTES; 60,966,953 HILLARY CLINTON 237 ELECTORAL VOTES; 60,966,953* DONALD TRUMP 301 ELECTORAL VOTES; 60,328,203* * As of 11/13/16 2016 actual (prelim)
What happened Combination of disruption of home and workplace for many in America; specifically white and often rural men. Distrust of Hillary Clinton and her very issues, behavior for 30 plus years. Desire for change.
Winston Churchill said… “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others.” “The best argument against Democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter.”