Topic: Constitutional Vote

A discussion of Article 1, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution clarifies that while states set election rules, Congress has the power to alter regulations for federal contests. Historically, Republicans utilized mail-in voting more than Democrats, though the trend shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent political strategies have seen both parties encouraging early voting to "bank" ballots before Election Day.

A debate over whether the United States is a democracy or a constitutional republic highlights the different interpretations of the American voting system. Critics argue that labeling the U.S. as a republic is a "fascistic trait," while proponents maintain that the Electoral College is a necessary safeguard against the "tyranny of the majority." The discussion clarifies the role of state electors in the presidential selection process.

Bill and Hillary Clinton express their support for the direct election of the president and the abolition of the Electoral College. Bill Clinton links the system's origins to slavery and the protection of conservative states. The hosts provide a counter-argument, stating the system was designed to prevent overpopulated, corrupt states from dominating smaller ones.

The Texas legislature passes a sweeping voter restriction bill that bans 24-hour and drive-thru voting while adding new ID requirements for mail-in ballots. Simultaneously, "Constitutional Carry" becomes legal in the state, allowing citizens to carry firearms without a permit. The voting bill is defended as a measure against fraud, while the political fallout is compared to California's historical shift toward a one-party state.

The Washington Post and other media outlets have renewed calls to abolish the Electoral College in favor of a national popular vote. Critics argue that without the Electoral College, a few high-population states like California and New York would effectively govern the entire country, leading to the marginalization of smaller states. The segment emphasizes that the US is a constitutional republic designed to prevent "mob rule."

Dick Morris explains the "National Popular Vote Interstate Compact," a strategy where states agree to award their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote. Currently, 15 states and D.C. representing 198 electoral votes have joined; the compact triggers at 270 votes. The hosts argue this is a dangerous attempt to circumvent the Constitution and disenfranchise voters in smaller states.

Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Lessig advocates for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact to effectively abolish the Electoral College. The hosts argue the system was designed to prevent high-population states like California from dominating national elections and criticize Lessig's stance as "sour grapes" following the 2016 election.

The implementation of the Real ID Act in California raises questions about whether illegal immigrants will receive federal-standard identification. The discussion shifts to the Electoral College, with the theory that media organizations advocate for its abolition to force political candidates to spend more advertising money in high-population states like California.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier questioned the fairness of the Electoral College during a town hall meeting, arguing that votes in Wyoming should not have more value than those in California. She asserted that the popular vote should determine the presidency, leading the hosts to accuse her of violating her oath to uphold the Constitution. The segment also touches on President Trump's stated priority of protecting the American people.

The hosts defend the Electoral College, arguing it prevents populous states like California and New York from dominating every election. They point out that Republicans control nearly two-thirds of state legislatures, making a Democratic-led constitutional amendment to abolish the system nearly impossible.

There is a perceived strategy to use tragic events to target constitutionalist law enforcement officers and push for incremental gun control. An alternative proposal suggests that proponents of gun control should stop seeking "loopholes" and instead advocate for a direct national vote to repeal the Second Amendment.

The hosts briefly mention the 98% "yes" vote for Egypt's new constitution, dismissing the result as evidence of a corrupt process. They conclude the episode by thanking supporters and promising a new "white paper" on Russian media laws for the next show.

A critique of both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney argues that neither candidate correctly identifies the President's primary job as defending the Constitution. The segment also covers reports of early voting glitches in North Carolina, where a voter claimed a machine switched a vote from Romney to Obama. The hosts discuss the institutionalization of early voting and its implications for election integrity.