In Defense of the Electoral College
With the surprising election of Donald Trump as the 45th president, having a majority of votes in the Electoral College but fewer general election ballots than Hillary Clinton, once again the cry for eliminating the Electoral College is being loudly proclaimed by many, particularly Democrats. I contend, however, that the Electoral College is needed now as much as it was needed in 1787, despite the changes in technology, education, etc. that are often cited as reasons the Electoral College is no longer relevant, if it ever was. As of the writing of this blog, two days after the 2016 election, Donald Trump leads 279-228 over Hillary Clinton, exceeding the 270 electors needed for victory, despite there still being 3 states not yet official. It looks, however, like Arizona (11) and Michigan (16) will go to Trump and New Hampshire (4) going by a razor thin margin to Clinton, making the final total 305-233. However, in terms of actual votes cast, Secretary Clinton appears likely to end u...