Is America Ready to Bid the Electoral College Farewell? | The Daily Show

Summary

In a humorous segment exploring the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC), Michael Kosta attempts to rally support in Michigan to shift presidential elections towards a popular vote system. He learns that most states currently ignore the majority of voters, as the electoral college favors battleground states. Despite bipartisan support for the NPVIC, Kosta's efforts falter when he fails to get the bill on the legislative agenda before his departure, highlighting the challenges of electoral reform and the complexities of political advocacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact aims to establish a national popular vote for president by coordinating state electoral votes.
• 😀 Currently, battleground state voters have disproportionate influence in presidential elections, leaving voters in other states often ignored.
• 😀 The compact would make every vote nationally relevant, diminishing the importance of battleground states.
• 😀 Interstate compacts are common and not typically controversial, with many states already participating in similar agreements.
• 😀 There have been five instances where a president has won without securing the national popular vote, the most recent being Presidents Trump and Bush.
• 😀 The National Popular Vote initiative has bipartisan support, with both Republicans and Democrats recognizing its benefits.
• 😀 Michigan is a critical state for the movement, and its participation could significantly boost momentum for the compact.
• 😀 The Michigan bill has been introduced but faces challenges in garnering legislative support.
• 😀 Public support in Michigan for a national popular vote appears strong, indicating potential for successful advocacy.
• 😀 Despite efforts, Michael Kosta's attempt to push the bill through in Michigan ultimately failed, illustrating the difficulties of political reform.

Q & A

What is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact?

The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is an agreement among states to award all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote, regardless of the outcome in their own state.

How many states have passed the National Popular Vote Compact?

As of now, 17 states and the District of Columbia have passed the Compact.

What is the current system of electing the president in the U.S.?

Currently, the president is elected through the Electoral College, where most states use a winner-takes-all system for their electoral votes.

Why do some states feel ignored in presidential elections?

Voters in battleground states tend to have more influence because their states are competitive, while voters in the majority of states often feel their votes do not matter as much.

What happens if the National Popular Vote Compact is fully implemented?

If fully implemented, it would mean every vote across the country counts equally in determining the presidency, potentially diminishing the significance of battleground states.

Has a president ever won the presidency without winning the popular vote?

Yes, this has happened five times, with the most recent examples being Presidents Trump and Bush.

What are the potential challenges for the National Popular Vote bill in Michigan?

The challenges include legislative opposition, the need for sufficient support from lawmakers, and potential legal disputes if the bill reaches implementation.

What role does public opinion play in the passing of the National Popular Vote bill?

Public opinion can significantly influence lawmakers; if constituents show strong support for the bill, it may encourage legislators to push it forward.

What was Michael Kosta's objective during his visit to Michigan?

Kosta aimed to rally support for the National Popular Vote bill and get it passed before his flight, leveraging his visibility as a public figure.

What was the outcome of Michael Kosta's efforts in Michigan?

Kosta was unable to get the National Popular Vote bill on the legislative agenda during his visit, resulting in a setback for the initiative.