h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yes, it has happened in the past. Today, however, with the media being so pervasive, I think they had better be ready to face the consequences before they do it again.

ok thats cleared up - not what I was asking there were reports that Florida would send two groups of electors and let congress decid which gets to vote.

I hadn't heard those reports, but if they're true, I would have to say that they're totally rediculous. It's Florida's job to decide who they are voting for, not Congress'. If they choose not to vote, then the matter falls to Congress, since neither candidate has a majority. In that case, the House would elect the president, and the Senate would elect the vice-president. But if Florida does choose to vote, it's up to them to determine who they're voting for.

Am I the only one who thinks it's PAST time to do away with the Electorial College?
And was I told to "screw fair"? Okay, I'll try anything once!
*ducks and runs for cover*

Personally, I don't want to see the Electoral College abolished. This is for purely practical reasons. If we relied on the popular vote nationwide, a recount would entail counting a *lot* of ballots. And legal issues related to voting irregularities would take place all over the country, instead of in one or two states.

I would like to see each state pass a law to award Electoral College votes in proportion to the popular vote. Maine is a good example of this process. There's no reason why every heavily populated state couldn't follow a similar system.

Ya' know what? At this point in time...I'm ready to TRY just about anything!
My friend's hubby had a dream that Nader, Bush & Gore were all tied & to see who would win, they all lined up & had to toss a rock behind their backs, the closest to the line won. (when nobody was looking this chap put Nader's rock closest to the line...ha!) I wonder if they'd settle it with pistols at ten paces?!?

Well stated. I could not add anymore to what you said.

May I complement you on your fine taste?!?

Sure.

According to the reports I've been reading, the governer of Florida (Jeb Bush) is prepared to override the will of the voters in his state and send a team to the electoral college who will vote Republican no matter what else happens. The Democrats will also send a team, claiming theirs reflects the will of the people (which it probably will be doing). And then it will be up to Congress to decide which is the legitimate one.

At first I thought Indecision 2000 was just a blip in an otherwise successful system of popular democracy. But the longer things go on the more absurdity there is being uncovered. It seems that if Congress is unable to make a conclusive decision (quite possible, as both houses are finely balanced at the moment) the casting vote goes to the Vice-President. Whose name is, er...

If I've got this right the eventual decision about Al Gore's fate may eventually come down to... Al Gore! I don't think this is quite what was meant by the idea of self-determination...

Did anybody else see the advert printed in an American newspaper which was re-printed in an English Sunday paper? It read:

"Fat lady wanted to go to Florida and sing. Immediate start."

It made me laugh.

One thing this election is generating is good humour.

It's been a while since we had the spate of "intern" and "cigar" jokes, which I wasn't all that fond of, but this stuff is good.

Someone should compile all these items, in a Guide Entry perhaps? Any volunteers?

Well. Congrats on wrapping it up. And good luck...

*curtsies in all directions* "Told you so...well I told somebody... weeks ago that Bush would be our 43rd Prez. If this EVER happens again I hope they (who ARE they...always wondered that???) just ask me. Sheesh. Hope to E you all around... you clever lot you! ~Love & Peace~Pan

What's the name of the survey they run, every time there is a presidential election, amongst primary school kids in the US?

Well, whatever the name may be, this survey has proved to be right every time for the last 40 years, and it proved right this time.

So what does it prove? Some people speculate that /personalities/ (as most children don't understand issues) of successful presidential candidates share the same appeal with the majority of the voting public as with children between the age of 5 to 12 years. In this case it has been said that most children could realate more to G W as his IQ is closer to theirs.

As I just said in another forum, he makes Dan Quayle look positively cerebral.

Never thought US politics will produce somone to match the talents of Dan Quayle.......again!

Now that man was responsible for some good humour! And he was kind enough to provide it at his own expense.

So I'm expecting big things, in the self deprocating humor department, from GW. We can be pretty sure he won't let us down....

Neugen Amoeba, we called it a 'Mock Election' at the school where I took part. The one main difference was (about) 100% of the children voted. It was voluntary, which means that somewhere along the way many people learn to be apathetic. I was 17 (plus) the first time I was able to vote. That was the year (I believe) the US changed policy. If you would be 18 within a certain number of days then you could legally vote. I don't know if that still goes on. Does anyone around here know? (I turned 18 on Dec 9, 1974) Just curiosity.
This was the very first time I haven't voted (about anything) since I've been of age. Shall I take the blame for the mess? It wasn't apathy...just thingees beyond my control. That's one reason I didn't become too involved in the topic. (It's as I feel about folks who do not own property who vote on property tax issues)
I must say, I was quiet impressed with the way everyone interacted on this 'hot topic'. ~Peace & Love~Pan

So who will be the 44th Prez ?

In California the voter receives a "receipt" for their ballot; the end is removed and returned. It says something like, "I voted, did you?". In Los Angeles, a few places used to give you a free cup of coffee if you showed them your receipt. A better statement might be: "This receipt entitles bearer to b***h about the outcome of this election and its consequences for the time period up to the next election." and forget the free caffeine!