Electoral Middle School

December 19, 2016

Today, the forty-first since the last election, the Electoral College will make its contribution to our political process. While typically a boring rubber stamp to whatever the press told us back in November,
this time around the vote, still a likely rubber-stamp, may at least prove interesting. Since the Constitution does not require the electors to vote as directed, they could vote their conscience. But, we all know one of the problems that brought us here is a serious lack of political conscience. Hence, I harbor low expectations.

But…

Russian novel like in complexity, the republic stands on arcane processes and the Electoral College is just one of many.

Yup, the Electoral College vote is not the end of it. First, the people vote; then, the College votes; finally, Congress meets (on January 6) and counts the votes. Given that most the Republicans don’t actually believe in numbers (Arabic numerals? Very suspicious!) the results of the count are unpredictable.

Once the count is complete any member of congress may object to individual votes or state results as a whole. All objections must be considered by both the House and the Senate and resolved within (get this) two hours. Given that neither congressional body can even agree on that day it is, if there are objections things could get ugly. (Yeah, I know we passed ugly awhile back.)

Once all objections are resolved a winner is declared, the loser is publicly shamed and we move on to the swearing in on January twentieth.

Word is the Trump Transition Team is having problems booking talent for the Inaugural Ball. Apparently weary of Ted Nugent and Kid Rock, Team Trump has offered two, sometimes three, times the usual pay rate. But, no one seems interested. So, as a special bonus, they are now offering “plush diplomatic posts” to A-List stars who climb onto the Trump Train. Kayne West, our Ambassador to North Korea, has an intriguing ring to it – don’t you think?

That’s all I got today. Take care of yourselves and each other,
osv