In democracy, everyone votes and the majority rules. However, our founders saw the distinct possibility that in a genuine democracy, the majority might stomp on the rights of the minority, so they created a republic. In a republic, people vote and rely on its elected representatives to do the right thing for the majority and for the minority. The elected representatives are charged with the responsibility to examine and understand the issues and vote according to their own conscience, in our stead.
But then what is the problem? The POTUS race resembles more of a democratic voting structure than a republic voting structure. Although it is possible to be elected president with less than a majority vote because of the electoral college, it is unlikely. The problem is that 99% of Americans can not grasp the complex details of the issues. Who can? That is the basic argument for a republic. The elected officials are elected to understand the complex issues.
For example, Congressman Ryan has studied the budget for many years. He is a subject matter expert. We are not. The rest of us, including many of our elected officials, are pure neophytes. Many Americans can not understand their bank statements much less a trillion dollar federal budget that requires several thousand page reports just to enumerate all the budget items. The point is the issues are complex and astute Americans can not even agree on the facts. Do lower taxes create jobs or not? As a result we have many unsupported, but honest opinions that create insurmountable honest disagreements.
What is left?
A POTUS vote based on appearance, advertising, oratory, facade and allegations.
I do not know the answer. Do you?
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