From Deseret News archives:

Political process really does work well

Published: Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004 6:01 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Now that we've all had a few days to recover from the election madness and to get our emotions back on a more-or-less even keel, it's time to contemplate some lessons learned. Here are a few that occurred to me:

The Electoral College is a beautiful thing. I know a lot of people disagree with me on this one. But without the Electoral College, the whole character of the election would have changed.

Consider this: When the television networks discussed returns Tuesday night, they did so against the backdrop of a map of the United States. They asked various experts to explain the reasons why Ohio went one way and Minnesota another, or why Florida voted more decisively for Bush this time while New Mexico remained closely divided. We were a collection of blue and red people with defining differences.

In other words, the focus was on the states. While we all call ourselves Americans, we are still a collection of geographic and cultural regions. Indiana voted overwhelmingly for President Bush, while its neighbor, Illinois, went overwhelmingly for John Kerry. Each state has unique needs, concerns and issues, and that would get lost in a purely popular election. The Electoral College turns the presidential race into 50 separate state elections, and it forces candidates to address regional concerns.

Story continues below
And, yes, I would feel the same way if Kerry had won the Electoral College while losing the popular vote.

Utahns will indeed vote for a Democrat. Am I the only one who gets tired of hearing Utah Democrats continually complain about their inability to win races in Utah, as if the people of Utah are somehow to blame? As Jim Matheson has shown, Utahns will support a Democrat who gains their trust and works to satisfy their interests. They also will support one when they feel the GOP has let them down, as with the scandals in Salt Lake County.

Overall, however, Tuesday's election was another glum day for Democrats, despite a few victories here and there. But that's more a reflection of the party's inability to market itself in Utah than it is a basic flaw in Utahns themselves. Political philosophy is a product, and voters need a convincing sales pitch.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...

If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...

I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...

Big games keep UHSAA coffers full

why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...

A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...

I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...

A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...

she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...

Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons

Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...

Photos: A Royal welcome home

Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

Advertisements
Advertisement