This is not a new claim: People have been arguing against the Electoral College from the beginning. But no one, at least in recent years, has laid out the case as comprehensively and as readably as Jesse Wegman does ... detailed, but eminently readable ... Wegman leaves largely unaddressed how the compact interacts with the patchwork of state laws governing elections...These problems might well be solvable within the compact framework — but they require more thinking through now, before a presidential election turns on them.
... a thoroughly researched and forcefully argued attack on the odd system enshrined in the Constitution for selecting the president of the United States.
Wegman combines in-depth historical analysis and insight into contemporary politics to present a cogent argument that the Electoral College violates America’s 'core democratic principles' and should be done away with ... His extensive research and careful consideration of the issue from all angles reveal the current system’s defects, though the path to reform in the face of fierce political opposition remains somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, this urgent and lucidly presented plea for change will resonate with progressives.
Throughout, the author’s confidence in his argument shines through. Wegman can be forgiven for his overly optimistic approach, but if there’s anything to be learned from the long history of American politics, it’s that nothing is predictable. While the facts and logic of his argument are mostly sound, we know that the pillars of democracy are not as stable as anyone once thought. One measure in particular—the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact—is gaining traction, but as the author himself observes, it’s not a binding agreement. A simple shift in demographics or political leanings could quickly throw that compact out the door ... An illuminating history and analysis but it remains unlikely that Wegman’s desired audience will be swayed.
