I have just seen on the news that the actual split was 52% Obama and 46% McCain. And yet 341 college votes to Obama (he only needed 270!). Maybe they need to re-think their electoral system...

The electoral college is one of the best things about the American political system. Can't imagine why anyone would want to change it.

You may think that, however, how come with 52% he gets 341 which looks like a land-slide? (these figures may change ever so slightly)

Well, first you have to understand how electoral votes are garnered and why the system was implemented. Many foreigners fail to take into consideration the importance the United States of America places on the rights of states.

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content...mp;mini_id=1045

There's been a lot of talk about racism in the election.

I wonder how many (millions?) voted for the first time ever because they had a black man to vote for.

Are those people any less racist than the redneck from Tennesee, with an AK47 squirrel gun, who thinks there should never be a n.....r in the whitehouse?

The racism card, while wrong, probably balanced out.

There's been a lot of talk about racism in the election.

I wonder how many (millions?) voted for the first time ever because they had a black man to vote for.

Are those people any less racist than the redneck from Tennesee, with an AK47 squirrel gun, who thinks there should never be a n.....r in the whitehouse?

The racism card, while wrong, probably balanced out.

Oh - Old Croc ... I wonder how many voted for the first time? they never felt any glimmer of hope before; that they could ever make the slightest bit a difference in this world? And for once they thought maybe they could ... cos that voice, that voice was finally speaking to them!

I have just seen on the news that the actual split was 52% Obama and 46% McCain. And yet 341 college votes to Obama (he only needed 270!). Maybe they need to re-think their electoral system...

I don't think us Ukers have a lot of room to talk. In 2001 42% of the vote gave Labour a majority of 246. Now there's an election systems that needs sorting out!

There's been a lot of talk about racism in the election.

I wonder how many (millions?) voted for the first time ever because they had a black man to vote for.

Are those people any less racist than the redneck from Tennesee, with an AK47 squirrel gun, who thinks there should never be a n.....r in the whitehouse?

The racism card, while wrong, probably balanced out.

While pockets remain, America is probably the least racist country on earth. A lot of people get that wrong because America TALKS about racial issues so much. Of course that's how it became less racist. hile I read some really stupid comments on the board about what should one call him (black african american, mulatto) I think race played a very small role in this election. A bigger role was the presidency of GW Bush. After that 8 year debacle, all options were on the table. Nothing looked risky anymore (more risky that is).

I have just seen on the news that the actual split was 52% Obama and 46% McCain. And yet 341 college votes to Obama (he only needed 270!). Maybe they need to re-think their electoral system...

I don't think us Ukers have a lot of room to talk. In 2001 42% of the vote gave Labour a majority of 246. Now there's an election systems that needs sorting out!

Oh yes, the UK needs to sort out its election system!

I have just seen on the news that the actual split was 52% Obama and 46% McCain. And yet 341 college votes to Obama (he only needed 270!). Maybe they need to re-think their electoral system...

The electoral college is one of the best things about the American political system. Can't imagine why anyone would want to change it.

You may think that, however, how come with 52% he gets 341 which looks like a land-slide? (these figures may change ever so slightly)

Well, first you have to understand how electoral votes are garnered and why the system was implemented. Many foreigners fail to take into consideration the importance the United States of America places on the rights of states.

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content...mp;mini_id=1045

After reading the most of this link, I have to say that it's total <deleted>! wouldn't it be far easier to give it to the person who gets most votes!?!

I have just seen on the news that the actual split was 52% Obama and 46% McCain. And yet 341 college votes to Obama (he only needed 270!). Maybe they need to re-think their electoral system...

The electoral college is one of the best things about the American political system. Can't imagine why anyone would want to change it.

You may think that, however, how come with 52% he gets 341 which looks like a land-slide? (these figures may change ever so slightly)

Well, first you have to understand how electoral votes are garnered and why the system was implemented. Many foreigners fail to take into consideration the importance the United States of America places on the rights of states.

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content...mp;mini_id=1045

After reading the most of this link, I have to say that it's total <deleted>! wouldn't it be far easier to give it to the person who gets most votes!?!

It would be far easier were that the intent (direct democracy). It never has been from the outset:

http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa102200a.htm

I have just seen on the news that the actual split was 52% Obama and 46% McCain. And yet 341 college votes to Obama (he only needed 270!). Maybe they need to re-think their electoral system...

I don't think us Ukers have a lot of room to talk. In 2001 42% of the vote gave Labour a majority of 246. Now there's an election systems that needs sorting out!

First past the post is only held together by the big two, Lib Dems have fought in the past regarding P.R, but until the stranglehold is broken, misrepresentation is the game.

As for the U.S, had a quick scoot at the Blue/Red split and couldn't make head nor tail of the 'landslide', I admit I didn't try hard and I haven't read Lanny's link above either, because I lost interest soon after.

Obama was good at creating teams to help people get registered and vote for the first time, did those first timers ( or anybody else ) know anything about either sides Foreign policy, or Economic views? Or did they vote because he was non-white/black/mixed race ( insert the phrase that suits you best ), as the Irish voted for JFK, or the women voted for Thatcher in the UK, because of a sense of voting for your side?

Voting because they think they will be heard, give me a break!!

Moss

I have just seen on the news that the actual split was 52% Obama and 46% McCain. And yet 341 college votes to Obama (he only needed 270!). Maybe they need to re-think their electoral system...

I don't think us Ukers have a lot of room to talk. In 2001 42% of the vote gave Labour a majority of 246. Now there's an election systems that needs sorting out!

First past the post is only held together by the big two, Lib Dems have fought in the past regarding P.R, but until the stranglehold is broken, misrepresentation is the game.

Tell me about it. I've only ever voted Liberal/LibDem (David Steel needs a good kicking) for the past 40 years...

There's been a lot of talk about racism in the election.

I wonder how many (millions?) voted for the first time ever because they had a black man to vote for.

Are those people any less racist than the redneck from Tennesee, with an AK47 squirrel gun, who thinks there should never be a n.....r in the whitehouse?

The racism card, while wrong, probably balanced out.

Oh - Old Croc ... I wonder how many voted for the first time? they never felt any glimmer of hope before; that they could ever make the slightest bit a difference in this world? And for once they thought maybe they could ... cos that voice, that voice was finally speaking to them!

I thought someone would jump on that post, although you are a surprise.

I could start a long arguement along the lines of "if you don't try you won't change things" or "nothing good will happen if your strategy is to wait for the right circumstances", but I won't because I don't feel that strongly about it and I too wanted the black guy to win.

What a speechmaker he is! I was nearly moved by his words at his acceptance speech. A once in a lifetime orator, I hope he follows up with substance in the most difficult job at the most difficult time.

(I'm still working on that puzzle you set me K, I'll PM you. )