Tapestry of the US Electoral College

I must say that it so created a lasting impression on my mind that it has provided my continuing keen interest in American politics. Indeed, the book even provided an account of the idiosyncrasies of the presidential dog “Fallah”. So that what I have written hereinafter has its origin in some antiquity. In his first speech after having been elected President of the US, Donald Trump stated that he intends to be President of all Americans.

I take it therefore that this particular statement was impelled by a realisation, on his part, that demonstrations (a distinct anomaly) had been taking place in several important centres across the US, notably New York in the East, California in the West and Chicago in the midwest, against his assuming the office of President.

For, let us face it, Trump is going to be a “minority” President arising from the fact that Hillary Clinton had not only received a larger popular vote than he had gotten, but that his own election was to be facilitated by the votes of four “battleground states” which were won by relatively small majorities, the votes of which would be cast on Trump’s behalf in the Electoral College.

Furthermore, Trump has become aware that he would be presiding over a greatly divided country — a situation which is recognised by Clinton herself when she asked that Trump be given the opportunity of showing leadership.

This travesty of the Electoral College ought not to be taking place in a country which has been priding itself as being the beacon of present-day democracy. Of course, the fault lies, not in the casting of votes in the college itself, but rather the fact that these will be cast in support of a candidate, for President, who had not received a majority of the overall popular vote in the country.

In this regard, one would recall the acrimony which had visited the election, in 2000, of George W Bush over Al Gore Jnr who, like Hillary Clinton, had received a larger popular vote than his rival.

Having said that, I must say, however, that the system of the Electoral College has much to commend it, given the political realities of the US where much independence of action, in several areas, is being accorded to states individually.

However, experience has now clearly demonstrated that there is need for a reform of the mechanics whereby the original intent is being given effect.

Certainly, in this age of “high tech”, what is required is a constant and continuing review of the population across the US with a view to having electoral votes, awarded to states, being reflective of the popular votes in every individual state. Indeed, the stark reality is that the most recent scenario, unless reformed, is most likely to recur in future.

ERROL OC CUPID Trincity, Tacarigua