They Might Be Giants - Who Are the Electors?

[@fnibbit]

Remember that in an october 2020 newsletter, tmbg said that this song is simply providing facts and it doesnt reflect their own opinions. But it clearly reflects their own opinions and I love that for them. "But it's up to them and not up to us" "We're only the voters" It's lovely, this song is amazing

[@robertkyle137]

Can't wait for them to remake this song in 10 years when it's discovered that the Electoral College is actually composed of *plasma*.

[@oaf-77]

I got that reference

[@forgoodnessache5399]

And incandescent gas.

[@aquafreshfan3022]

@@forgoodnessache5399 a gigantic nuclear furnace

[@drfraudulence909]

Omg

[@grrrrarrgh]

“Who REALLY are the Electors?”

[@jeremybuxman7555]

I love how this song is both completely sincere and utterly sarcastic about its subject simultaneously.

[@turphm4ster]

You just described the entirety of TMBG in that one sentence. That's why they're the greatest band ever

[@DeadMeat]

@@turphm4ster Correct.

[@AmazePaulz]

no need to comment after this

[@tentativegazer]

@@DeadMeat of course you listen to tmbg

[@lashee6573]

@@DeadMeat oh hi

[@damnmyusernameisgone]

Regarding salt, this is what TMBG said in their newsletter: "Please note this song is FACT-BASED and does not represent They Might Be Giants’ personal views on the Electoral College system. No one is sure how long we can all go along with presidents being elected in spite of losing the popular vote, but right now it seems we should dance with the Constitution that brought us.)"

[@thor30013]

[licks newsletter] Yep. that's pretty salty.

[@TestSubjectMacHoshi]

I feel like it's been too long since we've had a proper political They Might Be Giants song especially when that's actually relevant and not pertaining to events in 1844

[@grrrrarrgh]

I mean, in 1844 the democrats WERE split

[@clutterderp_8161]

Like, there was 3 nominees for the presidential candidate, you gotta keep that in mind

[@foxscully7233]

The first of which was Martin Van Buren, a former president AND an abolitionist

[@SomeFreakingCactus]

"Social Media" is sorta political.

[@alexcarter8807]

Seriously! The band "Chicago" did a song called "Harry Truman" and that's the last time I've seen a band get political.

[@m2pt5]

"They wanted a system that would be free from corruption." Welp.

[@amykarwowski1529]

Lol

[@juliantreidiii]

Sham it did not work.

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

Julian Reid If we could’ve stuck to their rules, maybe it would have. This electoral college crap they’re trying to pedal, is not that, tho....

[@ShudderflyREAL]

I mean, the electoral collage is not a corrupt institution, so idk what you're on about.

[@FIDreams]

Ya about that. Look to history. Every nation reverts to this. Noble beginnings, turn to noble laws, turn to thought provoking laws, turn to why don't you just do it laws, turn to Do as I say laws, turn to I'll just take what I want laws, turn to anarchy and exodus, and it starts again. Problem is there's just not anyplace for people to go except back to other rejected empires. It's sad to think that this time we thought it would be any different. Once class divide comes into play there's no stopping it. People start thinking they deserve better than others and start only picking those they find worthy or keep it in the family so to speak. Thus why you only see Old ass senators who don't want to retire to give power to someone else, and senators who only want family members voted in to 'Keep Power in the Family' a lot like the old monarchies we left from. :(

[@vonmatrices]

This isn't new information, but this is clarifying old information that makes me appreciate it so much more. Simple and easily put to a catchy tune.

[@Lectrikfro]

TMBG doing some School House rocking for us

[@dacelikethefish587]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/baimZWV-nLF0as0

[@GreanePin]

It literally does not matter what John Linnell decides to sing about.. He's got a unique and terrific voice and an even BETTER knack for writing unique, high quality, very catchy melodies time after time. Any of his songs, from the 80's to the current decade, he never seems to run out of melodic ideas. I envy him so much for his gift to create so many catchy little songs over and over again, all good in their own ways.

[@SandSpock33]

We Must Be Giants.

[@adeeta5701]

Russian national anthem intensifies.

[@TwiPrime]

@@adeeta5701 *cries*

[@jonplaud]

@@adeeta5701 hahaha

[@turphm4ster]

And what are we gonna do unless we are?

[@jrpipik]

"We're only the voters." Saddest line I've heard in ages.

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

Right?! Jesus...they just give the game away (that they created, mind you) and we’re just suppose to take it.... Thank God we have that “trust” in them....

[@DangerousBobTM]

Oh my God right they should totally just go with majority rule, what were the stupid founding fathers thinking

[@TheBurningWarrior]

@@DangerousBobTM That they were forming a voluntary federation of independent states rather than a single monolithic country, and therefore states with smaller population shouldn't be altogether at the mercy of states with larger populations. It also helps prevent fraud, because it limits the amount of damage fraudsters can do in a relatively unprotected state or precinct. No matter how many votes a fraudster can steal in the bluest or reddest precinct in the least protected of the reddest or bluest state, their damage is limited by the number of electors that state controls. Even if someone pulled a Putin got 300% of the vote in one state, they still would not have three states worth of influence.

[@DangerousBobTM]

@@TheBurningWarrior I was just making a joke

[@its_ndru]

@@DangerousBobTM its good info anyway :p

[@aerozord]

I get this sense of "this is kinda dumb isn't it". Like, hey this is kind of a pointless extra step that while intended to avoid corruption just adds one more possible avenue for it. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but They Might Be Giants do love sliding an extra layer to a lot of their songs

[@0urmunchk1n]

If only based on the lines: "It up to them, it's not up to us, We're only the voters, they are the electors." I'd say you have good ground to stand on with that interpretation.

[@seanfennel4845]

Of course the real point was that they didn't trust voters to make a good choice. They didn't even trust us to elect Senators.

[@roosterthehuman7421]

This song has the perfect amount of information and salt in it

[@DangerousBobTM]

I think you're projecting the salt

[@Donut-Eater]

@@DangerousBobTM how do the lines like "it isn't your choice" and "it's not up to us" not seem salty?

[@DangerousBobTM]

@@Donut-Eater wow that's terrible reasoning on your part I'm under no obligation to prove a negative in fact it's nearly impossible to do so the burden of proof is on the person making the claim so when rooster the human says the song contain salt and yet does not mention where the salt is contained or how he is able to tell that it is indeed salt, he is making what is called an assertion in this case it is unproven assertion. So when you asked me how is the song lyric not salt you are failing to meet your burden of proof in a certain that it is salt. I hope this helps you reason through things in the future.

[@Donut-Eater]

@@DangerousBobTM thank you for your input

[@poprocks6576]

Why so long?

[@elev8tr15]

If voting was important they wouldn’t let common folk do it.

[@tddious]

How dare this be so genuinely catchy

[@amykarwowski1529]

Lol

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

What they’re saying is disgusting and NOT what the framers intended. They don’t say how it came to be or why, just that it is and we should accept it. 🧠

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

What a diss to School House Rock

[@imrustyokay]

Welcome to They Might Be Giants

[@Persun_McPersonson]

@@bridgetnegrete8187 The song is full of sarcasm and satire of the electoral college though. It's basically a parody of government propaganda.

[@ozharms]

Did Marty turn the snare off for this one? It sounds good.

[@newzealandmapping537]

I love how this song whispers into your ear YOU HAVE NO POWER HERE

[@Tagahahu2]

I'm so pleased that our benevolent oligarchs have given us the ultimate power of occasional access to the complaint jar! What a great country!

[@badbeardbill9956]

True democracy is continuous, not every four years

[@QuillPGall]

@@badbeardbill9956 democracy: if it ain’t direct, I ain’t erect

[@DeezNutz-yg8io]

Uhh, this is a Republic tho

[@Tagahahu2]

@@DeezNutz-yg8io Republics, from res publica; 'common affairs or public business' can (arguably inherently should) be democratic, demos and kratos meaning 'rule by/power of the people'. Our empire is neither democratic nor republican and the party duopoly is also poorly named.

[@DeezNutz-yg8io]

@@Tagahahu2 Regarding the choosing of elected officials to decide in our stead (mayors, governors, congress, president etc), it's a Republic. The precise definition of Oligarchy is opaque to me. It seems, to me, to be more of a gauge for gov't health rather than an actual style of gov't. Heads of state engaging in rampant nepotism, self interested businesses deals etc? You score high on the oligarchy scale! Regarding local and state ballots, it's Democratic. The demos choose directly in this case. Although the idea of what gets to the ballot might muddy the waters here too. Would you like me to get into more detail? Happy to if you or others are interested. demos=peeps in old school Greek.

[@F5ss]

wait, thats how it works in america? How in all hell is that a fair system?

[@g--stef4756]

Yes, unfortunately, and because of just that there is much contention. As the song mentions the intention of the system is to try and protect the stability of representation in the country, because cities and larger states have a natural higher density of population which could overtly favor their interests, so the electoral system is intended to more evenly balance voting by having electors represent the voters. As your comment suggests, well, a lot of folks aren't happy about it. But to change the system is very hard, politically speaking.

[@space__idklmao]

This is basically neo-Schoolhouse Rock (Schoolhouse Alt-rock? Homeschool Rock?)

[@rini6]

Love the subtle disses of the electoral college “It’s up to them not up to us”

[@MrMistermister5655]

That's... not a diss. That's just how the electoral college works.

[@garbage63]

We're Only the voters...

[@ThreadBomb]

@@MrMistermister5655 It is a diss if the system claims to be democratic.

[@kaylumus1]

@@garbage63 I do detect rregret in Linnel's tone in that line.

[@etamommy]

@@MrMistermister5655 Also it is a diss though it is subtly stated.

[@BugsyFoga]

They might be giants are the kind of artists were they can literally make any topic an excellent song .

[@lanelarsen2383]

anyone coming back to this jam for this upcoming election

[@scentedpapers6569]

Here Comes Politics!

[@cappyjones]

They don't teach civics anymore, so..yeah. They should let TMBG reboot Schoolhouse Rock! 👍

[@Bizarrotron3000]

If anyone is gonna make politics interesting, it’s the giants themselves!

[@gmaxjayden]

Here comes history could also work.

[@PheasantPluckersMate]

We are only the fans. They might be(the) giants.

[@waterandafter]

Without party affiliation. LoL. You wish.

[@0urmunchk1n]

That was a weird line. The electors that are actually sent are chosen by the political party that wins the election in the state, or in some cases the district. By the time they vote the electoral college is nothing but party representatives.

[@waterandafter]

@@0urmunchk1n Are you confusing them with Primary elections? However, in most states the electors are governors and elected officials, they definitely have a stake in keeping their party in power.

[@0urmunchk1n]

​@@waterandafter I'm not sure what you think I'm confused about but I just looked this up to make sure my civics hadn't failed me. Look at the lists of electors from 2016 as an example. I’m from New York and because Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in New York all 29 electors sent to the electoral college were Democrats. Many of those are party officials. If Donald Trump had won the popular vote in New York all 29 electors sent to the elector college would have been Republicans. There may be exceptions since the method is determined by the state legislature, but in general, and I'm not aware of any exceptions, you’re not voting for who the electors vote for, you’re voting for the membership of the state’s electoral college delegation, and that membership is selected by the respective party of the presidential candidate in state committees. If the Green Party somehow managed to win a state, that state's electoral college representatives would be people selected by a committee of the Green Party, often members of the committee. This isn't the way it's always been, and isn't the way it has to be, but it is the way it is. So, while this process is substantially different to the selection of delegates made during presidential primaries, the selection of electors is very subject to party politics.

[@birbmeme3795]

guys i think the point is that it was initially intended not to have party affiliation but presidents ignore that because of course they do

[@jameseglavin4]

TMBG will one day be known as our true founding fathers

[@ZandoFox]

Almost want to dislike the video because the Electoral College is terrible

[@Sharkfurter]

ok brainlet

[@MsChevyKat]

I'm detecting some snark in this video.

[@sammystank7174]

Knowing Flansy's political beliefs, im sure this song is definitely anti-electorals

[@squwooshk]

That's kinda the point, this, much like most TMBG songs is satire

[@cappyjones]

It's blows my mind how TMBG can make a song about literally *anything* and it's always quality!! 👍

[@ladybabbleon]

Shoulda added a line about how the Electors rarely deviate from the Voters. Seems pretty important for people to know that.

[@seaotter4439]

The 2000 Election would have you think otherwise. The people wanted Al Gore, and the electors chose Bush Gore received 1.3% more of the popular vote, yet the electors voted for Bush.

[@finnicol-taylor2976]

And from that first line and chord accompaniment I am effortlessly whisked into TMBG land. Even never having heard the song before I feel like I know all of it but it's still new and original. No other band has ever been able to do this.

[@mzaite]

Remember: when they say “giving smaller states extra weight” that wasn’t made to reflect small SIZED states, but specifically small voting population states, because most of those states populations were slaves and other “undesirable” poors and women who couldn’t vote! History is Fun!

[@kashb1120]

You are my absolute favorite youtuber, I was so excited to see this!!!!!

[@rachelconverge7882]

My dad just listened to this for the first time and he said it explains everything perfectly

[@timothycooper3295]

Using this in my AP Government class this year! Thanks!

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

Are you serious?? As satire, perhaps? Cause this is awful. It doesn’t tell why the system was created or when, or what the article they’re referring to in the constitution, even says about this. It is NOT what the framers wanted. We’re only the voters, are you serious?! And who picks these “Electors”...

[@timothycooper3295]

@@bridgetnegrete8187 As a silly lead-in to the system that was seat up? As a bell-ringer to introduce the system, it's fine. The founders never imagined people actually voting directly for the presidency to start with. Founders were thinking that state legislators would pick electors, the same way the state legislators were supposed to pick senators.

[@chiralanomalous2904]

This is nice and reasuring, im sure there won't be any abuse of this system and nothing bad will happen this election

[@SolarpunkJackal]

"They wanted a system that would be free from corruption." .. Judge Domenick J. Demuro: *sweating bullets at this moment* "eh, guess I'll plead guilty now." lol

[@mfk5533]

Hell yeah new TMBG documentary music!

[@sinosemite]

Why no mention of winner-take-all per state and/or winning while losing the popular vote?

[@Persun_McPersonson]

Because it's implied.

[@ShudderflyREAL]

I actually like this a lot, it has lots of information in it, and the important part about WHY we use a system of electors instead of a direct balot count. Really good song, great work.

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

It says nothing about why they use it except its to protect us. Which is BS. One vote should equal one vote. Plain and simple.

[@ShudderflyREAL]

@@bridgetnegrete8187 It's a check against the tyranny of the majority, which is an essential part to any functional democracy. It also protects less populous states from constantly having their wishes overruled by more populous states.

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

Shudder Fly Do you hear yourself?!?! “The tyranny of the majority?!” A majority doesn’t cause tyranny. The MINORITY does. If a majority believe in something, it’s called popularity. And it should always WIN

[@ShudderflyREAL]

@@bridgetnegrete8187 Sure they can. The *majority* of Nazi Germany believed in the persecution of European Jews, but it was still tyranny. Having a popular Majority does not immediately make your actions moral, nor does it mean they should always carry out your will.

[@bridgetnegrete8187]

Shudder Fly Wrong. Just wrong. Hitler came to power in a Democracy as the NAZIs gained seats in the Reichstag, but he was never elected President in a Democratic election. Hitler was appointed Chancellor in 1933, then became President and Chancellor by decree in 1934 after the NAZIs gained power through democratic and non-democratic means over the course of the 1920’s and early 1930’s.

[@john-marccartagenas6706]

It's random, but this has the same kind of feel as the father song from coraline that he plays at the piano. Idk.

[@mateostenberg]

Lol maybe cause it's the same dudes

[@john-marccartagenas6706]

@@mateostenberg I thought you misunderstood me until I looked it up.... cant believe I never connected the voices..

[@ddremoboyable]

They're also the leaders of Rabbit Troop at Camp Campington Falls.

[@Lectrikfro]

@@ddremoboyable Rabbit Troop sucks!

[@dakedres]

Too true

[@LeoFan93]

TMBG doing Schoolhouse Rock. Not something I expected to hear.

[@RLSmith-jt8qj]

They have kids albums....several

[@miatra4954]

they literally have 3 kids albums LMAO

[@bethtarlton]

It's EXACTLY what I expected to hear!

[@TalonBX]

@@miatra4954 Five!

[@TestSubjectMacHoshi]

Not only did they have kids albums but they also have several political songs xD

[@somebodylikesbacon1960]

0:23 my favorite part of the song

[@daytoncoates4930]

If the song included the process for breaking a tie it would’ve been like 7 minutes long

[@aleonimation]

They Might Be Electors

[@Will_Taylor1776]

This is beautiful. They are saying exactly what needs to be said on the sly.

[@MsChevyKat]

We're only the voters..

[@manasnain6695]

This band never gets old.

[@NotQuiteDaniel]

this is the best piece of propaganda i've ever seen lmao

[@Persun_McPersonson]

Did you catch the part where it's actually satire?

[@NotQuiteDaniel]

@@Persun_McPersonson ik is a joke but still damm i really want to elect someone

[@Donut-Eater]

Fingers crossed!

[@arigadatred5395]

Is it just me or do they seem a little pissed off.

[@fishvandalism1407]

1:47 A small oversight, but Michael Enzi and John Barrasso should be standing behind the "senators" label with Liz Cheney behind "representatives". Otherwise, love the song and TMBG.

[@bethtarlton]

I ❤️ the Johns. If you've never seen them live, do. Well, AFTER 2020 obv.

[@fnibbit]

I saw them on that live streamed show they did a while back, even just that was magical ❤️ i can't wait to see them live in person at some point though!!

[@Mutant_Renegade]

Any other band i would be disappointed in them for making this song but i just can't be mad at TMBG for making education fun.

[@Persun_McPersonson]

The song is satirical, so it's even better than you thought.

[@voborny]

Why does this feel like a propaganda film?

[@dominicbrady6169]

Because it is

[@Persun_McPersonson]

Because it's framed as one, but if you actually listen to the lyrics it's more of a parody of one, slipping in satire against the electoral college here and there throughout.

[@jonplaud]

Reminds me of Schol House Rock. I saw this a week ago and saw it again today and I remembered it.

[@ezraclark7904]

I can’t wait for the correction song someday, because this system needs to go. Great song though!

[@Ryzorrin]

Hey, I mean They did it with "The Sun is a Miasma of Incandescent Plasma."

[@stanley-allen]

The Electoral College Makes a Miasma of Democracy?

[@Persun_McPersonson]

The song is basically a parody of propaganda and makes little sarcastic jokes at the system's expense.

[@nathanj.williams1955]

Every state "gets" a number of electors equal to to number of reps and senators. Read the constitution, it does NOT DEFINE who electors are or where they come from.

[@geoffreybenedict2075]

One of the biggest reasons for the electoral college is that each state has complete control over how they choose their electors. You can't just do national popular vote and then tell each state they nave complete control over the process. With each state given a set of electors, that state can choose how to select and use those electors. That was an incredibly big deal at the start of the nation. states didn't trust each other or the federal government.

[@Persun_McPersonson]

Yes, very well put. It was probably very necessary at the time. But now that whole "wanted a system free from corruption" thing isn't exactly panning out..

[@daworldhavenumberblockstvv2401]

1:51 plus three zies

[@LuckyPunkProd]

I really dig the Schoolhouse Rock homage here. Long live TMBG!

[@lolanicolau251]

In my country we vote for the people that are actually going to rule over the country, not electors so when I learnt about this I was so confused

[@adrianridgway4333]

Could never have imagined how relevant and important the information in this song would have become for this election...

[@turphm4ster]

I get the feeling I'm the only gen z here among tons of gen xers and baby boomers. The rest of gen z doesn't seem to understand how great TMBG is

[@Gloopvasion]

tmbg is a fortnite gamer oatmeal moment

[@younggamer7218]

Why hello fellow gen z

[@Persun_McPersonson]

"Born in the wrong generation" teenage moment.

[@JimmyJonJillakers]

Summon the electors!

[@raditan5042]

It's never free from corruption

[@Persun_McPersonson]

It never said it was, but that it was the goal.

[@agentorange1894]

This reminds me of School house rock

[@Wiley_Coyote]

Best Schoolhouse Rock episode ever!

[@lardogbeck]

Who are the 66 people (as of this comment) that downvoted this? What's wrong with you?

[@alunarray4086]

wasn't me. I don't vote . For slavemasters nor songs

[@daworldhavenumberblockstvv2401]

0:14 EEEEECT

[@muntthedubious_9308]

As a texas citizen, this aged w e l l

[@MaxIsNotWell]

banger

[@cillobillo1059]

It’s always brilliant to hear something new from the probable giants. Even if it’s about the U.S voting system which doesn’t effect me.

[@PROTAsoloproject]

As a US voter in a non-swing state, it doesn't affect me much either.

[@cillobillo1059]

Somewhat expected.

[@MikeandLa]

They might be gianter than schoolhouse rock! (Appopolilogies to the ocd in me)

[@sammystank7174]

Here Comes Politics?

[@powerjbn9283]

Here comes civics maybe?

[@xpkareem]

It does ride that line between strictly informational and editorial. I mean to say, it's just facts, but somehow seems to invoke or evoke an opinion.

[@legomojo]

“Giving smaller states extra weight.” How could that turn out poorly??

[@a2roland]

Awesome!

[@chickenhound6740]

Cool!

[@una_10bananas]

Maybe it's because I'm not from the US but I still don't know what they actually do

[@hellothere5660]

It's simple. We signal our choice and give them our trust. Then the vote is up to them and not up to us. We are only the voters, but they're the electors.

[@DeezNutz-yg8io]

They're like our protectors, adding one extra step

[@jimmyhill7700]

We need to end the Electoral College if we ever want to be a democracy.

[@marksandsmith6778]

TMGB set the constitution ITSELF to music😄😄😄

[@MystLunarabne]

0:53 I literally burst out laughing

[@flg947]

Another amazing track from TMBG.

[@omarh789]

That was the most passive... anarchist message I've ever heard... lol

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

How informative.

[@nightshade1807]

Same

[@jacksonnicholls]

thank you for explaining the electoral college. i get it now. we should absolutely abolish it

[@catzma3089]

I'm disappointed my teacher didn't play this song in class

[@bluemask6361]

they DIDN'T want a system free from corruption, and that's WHY we don't have a direct vote. I think "kiss me, son of god" does a better job of explaining what an elector is.

[@bluemask6361]

so the song is snarky- in an election year, you need to grab people and shake them and say AMERICA SHOULD NOT EXIST AND WE CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS.

[@grrrrarrgh]

I always interpreted Kiss Me Son of God as an allegory for a corrupt politician too! The theories on TMBW for that one are really interesting

[@CecilyRenns]

@@grrrrarrgh yea, i thought it's quite clearly about Ronald Reagan

[@josephlikesgames707]

Nice

[@kevingruenofficial]

Well this really makes people wanna vote ...huh?

[@JasonBarrettePiano]

"They are called the electors, they are like our protectors "? *YOU HAD ONE JOB*

[@ThreadBomb]

The US electoral system is just an embarrassing mess.

[@mhill2468]

Omg but who decides who the electors are... been searching like 20 minutes and keep getting “how electors work” and not how they’re chosen or where they come from or requirements or anything hahah

[@rwall514]

You know the parties? Well, vote for a party's president, and if they win the elector you chose, they get to put their elector in. I mean, anyone could theoretically be put on the ballot to vote for, but these days it's usually a slate of electors chosen by the parties, in lieu of an actually specified mechanism. The founders did not want political parties, but also managed to overlook parts of their system that would require them.

[@arigadatred5395]

You should just find the Constitution online and read it, an annotated version if you don't understand it. (I recommend anyone do this, including all the amendments. Know your rights and your government, what they aren't as well as what they are.)

[@jessicah3450]

The states appoint them, the number is equal to the senators (2 for each state) plus the representatives (based on population). In more populous states, citizens have less voting power under this system. State legislatures decide how electors are chosen. States also have laws to ensure the electors vote for the state's winning candidate.

[@Outpost67]

I'm in stitches over the amount of people who don't get how this works. You vote for people who you think represent you well and that's their job. It's funny how the Electoral college is ONLY an issue if it might work against what you want. It's always "We need the representatives to vote for our smaller state!" Until the representatives that YOUR SMALLER STATE picked suddenly do a thing you dont like even though YOU PICKED THEM. It's like clockwork for both sides, every goddamn time.

[@Persun_McPersonson]

You don't always have very good choices on who to vote for in the first place, not to mention that, well...why can't you just vote for what you want _directly_ instead of voting for someone who roughly aligns with what you want?

[@mickdipiano8768]

I love them

[@jerryeberts]

Sounds a bit like The Mesopotamians.

[@CyrogenicNation]

I can never understand why Americans think that the electoral college is bad. Sure it's different and can lead to unexpected results, but it gives the lesser states more power in return. I live in Indonesia with a similar situation (provinces instead of states with different cultures and needs, some of them in different landmasses) and I'm curious to see what the electoral college can do to our country. Territories like Papua (mineral rich province with a lot of Black indigenous populations) and Borneo (large forested landmass) usually gets shafted and exploited through mining and logging and gets pennies on the dollar in return because rich territories like Jakarta have too much power not to take some cash for itself.

[@InrickeSuave]

Oh they do understand it. The people who have a problem with it are the people who live in some of the few mega cities in America. They want the power to tell everyone else in the country what to do. And like your country everyone outside the city will get screwed over and over again.

[@NarrativeStudies]

InrickeSuave no. We just think that everyone should have an equal vote. In our current system it’s unbalanced. Plus, it creates a two party system, which was one of the founders biggest fears.

[@MattCCurtis]

The electoral college throws away millions of votes. Republican votes in blue states (and the reverse) are basically thrown away. You might as well not vote unless you're in a swing state. That's why candidates focus on campaigning in (and pandering to) those states.

[@CyrogenicNation]

@@MattCCurtis Somehow, I don't think that's a problem of the system as it is the voters in those states. Abstaining from voting just because you think your state leans one way or the other just ends up perpetuating a self-fulfilling prophecy, whereas if everyone voted you will all be able to see how the state really leans and perhaps make inroads towards winning in future elections. The thing is that I think this way of voting is an alright alternative for a country like America which prides itself on the sovereignty and freedom of the states to each other. I think the most apt comparison would be to imagine that the US is basically the EU if they get to vote for an actual leader instead of a de facto one, and that the states are basically mini-countries that votes for their own interests too. It is very interesting to say the least, and certainly not terrible. It's just different.

[@mzaite]

Set Symbol Studios If the Founders didn’t want a 2 party system then they shouldn’t have made the electoral vote First past the post. You could still have an electoral college if they voted preferentially and that would still protect against a 2 party system. Either they had no idea how elections worked (doubtful since the house of commons was an election system then) or they wanted it this way specifically.

[@fragwagon]

TMBG the new Schoolhouse Rock.

[@johnny-gj7xb]

metallica voice sad but true