Bad Taste

The subject line pretty accurately describes what Democrats still feel after the 2000 election. Although Al Gore won the popular vote, by a slim margin of one half of one percent, George Bush received the most votes in the Electoral College and, after a contentious series of recounts and a decision by the Supreme Court, was confirmed as President of the United States. Unsurprisingly, many Democrats (and probably some Republicans as well) called for the elimination of the Electoral College and a change to direct election of the President by total national popular vote.

We didn't hear about it as much after the 2004 election because George Bush received an outright majority of the popular vote (something Bill Clinton never did, only receiving a plurality in his election wins). Therefore it wouldn't have made any difference to the outcome.

Once again, as we approach the 2008 Presidential Election, the issue of whether or not the Electoral College has outlived its usefulness is being raised. The article discusses what effect it would have on how candidates would campaign, and some possible negative effects. In the penultimate paragraph, the author states:

If Democratic candidate Barack Obama were to win on Election Day, it might erase the Democrats’ unpleasant memories of 2000 and lessen the momentum for scrapping the Electoral College.

True, especially if it turns out that McCain receives a plurality or majority of the popular vote. If that happens, expect Democrats to praise the foresight of the authors of the Constitution and sing the praises of the Electoral College.