Intelligence Squared debate: Has the Electoral College outlived its usefulness?
John Donvan hosts an Intelligence Squared debate on the Electoral College.
Monday, the Electoral College decides who will be the next president of the United States. As many people know, the winner of the nationwide popular vote doesn't necessarily become president. Last time, Donald Trump lost the popular vote and won the electoral college. This year, Joe Biden won the popular vote by about 7 million votes, and won the Electoral College.
Five American presidents — two in the last 20 years — have assumed office without winning the popular vote.
Some people argue that the college subverts the will of the American people by unfairly prioritizing rural and swing states over the nation’s majority. But others say the Electoral College, which the founders established in the Constitution, is necessary to ensure voters in less populous states have a voice in picking our president.
The motion
The Electoral College has outlived its usefulness.
For the motion:
Jamelle Bouie, New York Times columnist.
Kate Shaw, law professor at Yeshiva University and Supreme Court contributor to ABC News.
Against the motion:
Tara Ross, lawyer and author, "Why We Need the Electoral College” and “Enlightened Democracy: The Case for the Electoral College.”
Bradley A. Smith, law professor at Capital University Law School and former chairman of the Federal Election Commission.
Use the audio player above to listen to the program.
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