Explaining the electoral college video

Electors for

(Bob, Steve, Mick)

Romney

(Ann, Bill, Chad)

Popular vote

November election

Electoral vote

Mid December

Electors cast their vote

Ann, Bill and Chad

Romney

2012 ballot

How does the electoral How does the electoral college work?college work?

There are a total of 538 total electoral votes.There are a total of 538 total electoral votes. Each state gets the same # of votes as they Each state gets the same # of votes as they

have members of Congresshave members of Congress A majority of electoral votes are needed to be A majority of electoral votes are needed to be

elected President. (270)elected President. (270) If no majority of electoral votes are obtained If no majority of electoral votes are obtained

the House of Representatives chooses the the House of Representatives chooses the PresidentPresident

The electoral college votes in mid DecemberThe electoral college votes in mid December

Monday following the second Monday following the second Wednesday in December, the electors Wednesday in December, the electors of each state meet in their respective of each state meet in their respective state capitals to officially cast their state capitals to officially cast their votes for president and vice president. votes for president and vice president.

These votes are then sealed and sent to These votes are then sealed and sent to the president of the Senate, who on the president of the Senate, who on January 6th opens and reads the votes January 6th opens and reads the votes in the presence of both houses of in the presence of both houses of Congress. Congress.

The winner is sworn into office at noon The winner is sworn into office at noon on January 20th. on January 20th.

Why don’t we elect our Why don’t we elect our president through popular president through popular

vote?vote? A safeguard against…A safeguard against…

Uneducated votersUneducated voters A protection against the people if the A protection against the people if the

system of allowing people to vote on system of allowing people to vote on their leaders didn’t work out as hoped.their leaders didn’t work out as hoped.

Political Parties Political Parties in the United in the United

StatesStates

Political PartyPolitical Party

A group of people who share similar A group of people who share similar ideasideas

Work to get its member elected into Work to get its member elected into officeoffice

Try to get government to work to Try to get government to work to promote their ideas.promote their ideas.

One party systemOne party system Two party systemTwo party system

Multi party systemMulti party system

South Dakota political South Dakota political partiesparties

From Sect. of State; From Sect. of State; Updated Updated October 1, 2014October 1, 2014 46% Republican (239,355)46% Republican (239,355)

34% Democrat (175,186)34% Democrat (175,186) 19% Independents (100,547)19% Independents (100,547)

Libertarian (1,356)Libertarian (1,356) Constitution (595)Constitution (595) American’s Elect (8)American’s Elect (8) Total: 517,003Total: 517,003

Recognized parties in South Dakota

Political Parties in USAPolitical Parties in USA

Gallup poll on party identification

Current political parties Current political parties in the USin the US

From From politics1.com

Minor Party Presidential Candidates 2012

Minor party candidates Election results

What are “Minor Parties” What are “Minor Parties” or “Third Parties”?or “Third Parties”?

Currently a party that is not the Currently a party that is not the Democratic or Republican partiesDemocratic or Republican parties

They rarely win elected positionsThey rarely win elected positions

Impact of minor partiesImpact of minor parties

Take popular vote from candidatesTake popular vote from candidates A third party DOES NOT take votes A third party DOES NOT take votes

away equally from both partiesaway equally from both parties

2000 Election2000 Election

More liberal More liberal candidatescandidates Al GoreAl Gore Ralph NaderRalph Nader

More More conservative conservative candidatescandidates George W. George W.

BushBush Pat BuchananPat Buchanan

Al Gore – (Democrat)Popular Vote: 50,992,335

Percentage - 48.38%George Bush – (Republican)

Popular Vote: 50,455,156Percentage: 47.87%

Ralph Nader – (Green)Popular Vote: 2,882,897

Percentage: 2.74%Patrick Buchanan – (Reform)

Popular Vote: 448,892Percentage: 0.42

FloridaFlorida

25 electoral votes25 electoral votes Total Electoral VoteTotal Electoral Vote

Bush 271Bush 271 Gore 267Gore 267

FLORIDAFLORIDA

Bush, George W.Bush, George W. RepRep 2,912,7902,912,790 48.8548.85

Gore, AlGore, Al DemDem 2,912,2532,912,253 48.8448.84

Nader, RalphNader, Ralph GreenGreen 97,48897,488 1.631.63

Buchanan, PatBuchanan, Pat RefRef 17,48417,484 0.290.29

Encourage major parties to face Encourage major parties to face some important issuessome important issues Ross Perot Ross Perot

Impact of minor partiesImpact of minor parties

Take away electoral votes form Take away electoral votes form major candidatesmajor candidates

Electoral votes for minor party candidates

SOUTH DAKOTASOUTH DAKOTA

Bush, George W.Bush, George W. RR 190,700190,700 60.3060.30

Gore, AlGore, Al DD 118,804118,804 37.5637.56

Buchanan, PatBuchanan, Pat REFREF 3,3223,322 1.051.05

Phillips, HowardPhillips, Howard II 1,7811,781 0.560.56

Browne, HarryBrowne, Harry LBTLBT 1,6621,662 0.520.52

Candidate search begins

Primary Season and Caucuses

Jan - ‘2016

June Late summer

ConventionGeneral Election

Nov.(1st Tues. after 1st Mon. in Nov.)

Electoral College Vote

Dec.(Monday after 2nd Wed. in Dec.)

InaugurationJan. –‘2017

Jan. 20

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION TIMELINE(2012)

What is a What is a Direct Primary Election?Direct Primary Election?

Explaining primaries video An Election in which a Political Party An Election in which a Political Party

decides which candidate they will decides which candidate they will support.support.

Closed PrimaryClosed Primary Open PrimaryOpen Primary

What is a CaucusWhat is a Caucus

Similar to a primary except instead Similar to a primary except instead it is more like a large meeting it is more like a large meeting instead of ballot voting instead of ballot voting

2012 Republican calendar

Why not have multiple Why not have multiple candidates from a party run candidates from a party run

for President?for President?

Republican Republican Presidential Presidential

Candidates 2012Candidates 2012

Mitt Romney — Former Mitt Romney — Former Governor of Massachusetts Governor of Massachusetts

Tim Pawlenty — Former Tim Pawlenty — Former Governor of Minnesota Governor of Minnesota

Dropped out of race August 14th

Thaddeus McCotter — US Thaddeus McCotter — US House of representative House of representative

from Michigan from Michigan

Dropped out September 22, 2011

Herman Cain — Former CEO Herman Cain — Former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza of Godfather’s Pizza

(dropped out December 4, (dropped out December 4, 2011)2011)

Gary E. Johnson — Gary E. Johnson — Former Governor of New Former Governor of New

Mexico Mexico

Dropped out Dec. 28 and decided to run as an independent Libertarian

Michele Bachmann — United Michele Bachmann — United States Representative, States Representative,

Minnesota Minnesota Dropped out January 4, 2012. Day after getting 5% in Iowa Caucus

Jon Huntsman — Former Jon Huntsman — Former Governor of Utah Governor of Utah

Dropped out January 16, 2012.

Rick Perry — Governor of Rick Perry — Governor of Texas Texas

Dropped out January 19, 2012

Rick Santorum — Former Rick Santorum — Former United States Senator, United States Senator,

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

Dropped out April 10,

Newt Gingrich — Former Newt Gingrich — Former House Speaker House Speaker

Dropped out April 25,

Ron Paul — United States Ron Paul — United States Representative, Texas Representative, Texas

Democratic Candidates Democratic Candidates 20082008

US Senator Barack H. US Senator Barack H. Obama, Jr.Obama, Jr.

(Democrat - Illinois) (Democrat - Illinois)

.POLITICAL: Illinois State Senator, 1997-2005 (elected 1996, 1998, 2002). Candidate for Congress, 2000. US Senator, 2005 - present (elected 2004). Keynote Speaker, 2004 Democratic National Convention.

US Senator Joseph R. "Joe" US Senator Joseph R. "Joe" Biden Jr.Biden Jr.

(Democrat - Delaware)(Democrat - Delaware)

POLITICAL: New Castle County Councilman, 1970-72. US Senator, 1973 - present (elected 1972; re-elected 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996, 2002). Candidate for President, 1988 (withdrew before first primary).

US Senator Hillary Rodham US Senator Hillary Rodham ClintonClinton

(Democrat - New York)(Democrat - New York)

POLITICAL: First Lady of Arkansas, 1979-81 and 1983-93. First Lady of the US, 1993-2001. US Senator, 2001 - present (elected 2000, 2006).

US Senator Christopher J. "Chris" US Senator Christopher J. "Chris" DoddDodd

(Democrat - Connecticut)(Democrat - Connecticut)

POLITICAL: US Congressman, 1975-81 (elected 1974, 1976, 1978). US Senator, 1981 - present (elected 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998, 2004).

Former US Senator John R. Former US Senator John R. EdwardsEdwards

(Democrat - North Carolina)(Democrat - North Carolina)

POLITICAL: US Senator, 1999-2005 (elected 1998). Candidate for President, 2004 (lost in the primaries). Democratic nominee for Vice President, 2004.

Former US Senator Maurice R. "Mike" Former US Senator Maurice R. "Mike" GravelGravel

(Democrat - Virginia)(Democrat - Virginia) POLITICAL: Alaska State Representative, 1962-66 (elected 1962, 1964). Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, 1965-66. Candidate for US Congress, 1966. US Senator from Alaska, 1969-81 (elected 1968, 1974; unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1980). Candidate for Vice President, 1972 Democratic Convention (226 delegates - 3rd place - 7.5%). Founder & President, Democracy Foundation and National Initiative for Democracy non-profit groups.

Congressman Dennis J. Congressman Dennis J. KucinichKucinich

(Democrat - Ohio) (Democrat - Ohio) POLITICAL: Cleveland City Councilman, 1970-75 and 1983-85; Democratic nominee for Congress, 1972; Cleveland Clerk of Municipal Courts, 1975-77; Mayor of Cleveland, 1977-79 (elected in 1977; defeated for re-election in 1979); State Senator, 1995-97; US Congressman, 1997-present (elected in 1996, re-elected in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006). Candidate for President, 2004

Governor William B. "Bill" Governor William B. "Bill" RichardsonRichardson

(Democrat - New Mexico)(Democrat - New Mexico) POLITICAL: Candidate for Congress, 1980. US Congressman, 1983-97 (elected 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996). US Ambassador to the United Nations, 1997-98. US Secretary of Energy, 1998-2001. Governor of New Mexico, 2003-present (elected 2002, 2006). Chairman, 2004 Democratic National Convention. Chairman, Democratic Governors Association, 2006. Nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Candidate search begins

Primary Season and Caucuses

Jan - ‘2012

June Late summer

ConventionGeneral Election

Nov.(1st Tues. after 1st Mon. in Nov.)

Electoral College Vote

Dec.(Monday after 2nd Wed. in Dec.)

InaugurationJan. –‘2013

Jan. 20

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION TIMELINE(2012)

Gerald Ford Nelson Rockefeller

Jimmy Carter Walter Mondale

Ronald Reagan George H Bush

George H Bush Dan Quayle

William Clinton Albert Gore, Jr.

George W Bush Richard Cheney

Recent Vice PresidentsRecent Vice Presidents

ConventionConvention

What is a ConventionWhat is a Convention

A big pep rally for the party for the A big pep rally for the party for the upcoming electionupcoming election

The two most important things The two most important things accomplished at a convention is the accomplished at a convention is the write a platform and to nominate a write a platform and to nominate a candidate for President.candidate for President.

Republican 2012: Tampa Florida the Republican 2012: Tampa Florida the week of August 27week of August 27thth

Democratic 2012: Charlotte, NC the Democratic 2012: Charlotte, NC the week of September 3week of September 3rdrd. .

What is a platform?What is a platform?

What the political party believes on What the political party believes on an assortment of important issues. an assortment of important issues.

Platform (Republican)

Platform (Democratic)(Democratic)

NominationNomination

The party officially nominates their The party officially nominates their candidate for Presidentcandidate for President

When is the convention When is the convention held?held?

Every four yearsEvery four years Late summer of the Presidential Late summer of the Presidential

election year.election year.

TV and Other AdsTV and Other Ads

2012 Presidential 2012 Presidential ElectionElection

2012 commercial spending

According to the According to the Washington Post

In the 2012 Presidential election, In the 2012 Presidential election, candidates had …candidates had …

2 ads in Sioux Falls, SD costing $1,8102 ads in Sioux Falls, SD costing $1,810 3 ads in Houston, TX costing $4503 ads in Houston, TX costing $450 43,979 ads in Tampa, FL costing $48 43,979 ads in Tampa, FL costing $48

millionmillion 55,613 ads in Denver, CO costing $55 55,613 ads in Denver, CO costing $55

millionmillion Why not equal spending in all states?Why not equal spending in all states?

Campaign commercials Campaign commercials are are GARBAGEGARBAGE and and

voters need to ignore voters need to ignore them!them!

Campaign Commercial Campaign Commercial StrategiesStrategies

Glittering GeneralitiesGlittering Generalities

Words and phrases that sound Words and phrases that sound appealing and people can’t appealing and people can’t hardly disagree with.hardly disagree with.

““South Dakota Values”South Dakota Values”Mitt Romney

Card StackingCard Stacking Use limited facts that support Use limited facts that support

your position. Telling partial your position. Telling partial truthstruths “Bad Call” Throw to the wolves Obama and Education Taliban Dan

““Bad Call”Bad Call” Phone records show:Phone records show: Did make call to Fantasy Talk Service at 3:26 pm Did make call to Fantasy Talk Service at 3:26 pm

on January 28, 2004on January 28, 2004 The very next minute (3:27 pm) he made a The very next minute (3:27 pm) he made a

second call to the exact same number except for second call to the exact same number except for the 3 digit area code was differentthe 3 digit area code was different

The 2The 2ndnd call was to the NY State dept of criminal call was to the NY State dept of criminal justice.justice.

They were attending a meeting of the NY state They were attending a meeting of the NY state district attorneys associationdistrict attorneys association

Total cost of the call: $1.25Total cost of the call: $1.25

Throw us to the wolvesThrow us to the wolves 11stst terrorist attack was 1993 when a truck bomb went off terrorist attack was 1993 when a truck bomb went off

at the World Trade Centerat the World Trade Center Kerry supported regular increases in intelligence spending Kerry supported regular increases in intelligence spending

several years prior to September 11, 2001several years prior to September 11, 2001 The cut Kerry proposed in 1996 was a 3% cut and came The cut Kerry proposed in 1996 was a 3% cut and came

after it became known that the CIA had been hoarding $1 after it became known that the CIA had been hoarding $1 billion in unspent funds. It was defeated in the Senate.billion in unspent funds. It was defeated in the Senate.

Porter Gross, who was Bush’s CIA director at the time of Porter Gross, who was Bush’s CIA director at the time of this commercial had also supported similar cuts in defense this commercial had also supported similar cuts in defense spending.spending.

Another Republican sponsored cut similar to Kerry’s Another Republican sponsored cut similar to Kerry’s actually became law.actually became law.

Just Plain FolkJust Plain Folk Give the impression that the Give the impression that the

candidate is just like the people.candidate is just like the people. Statements, dress, Statements, dress,

Thune Thune commercials

Sandlin

TransferTransfer Connect the candidate to a Connect the candidate to a

respected symbol or personrespected symbol or personKerryNoem (grodet is sign in) R*******e)(grodet is sign in) R*******e)

Negative AdsNegative Ads The goal is to get you to vote The goal is to get you to vote

against a person. Scare the against a person. Scare the people out of voting for people out of voting for someone.someone.

Daisy Girl Willie Horton and and Revolving Door Clinton

BandwagonBandwagon Vote for candidate because other Vote for candidate because other

people like him or her.people like him or her. I Like Ike Real People

Other CommercialsOther Commercials

Bear in the Woods NRA vs. Kerry Headlines

Total Spending by Total Spending by Presidential Candidates*Presidential Candidates* Total SpentTotal Spent in millions in millions

2008 $1.6 billion2008 $1.6 billion2004: $717.92004: $717.9 2000: $343.1 2000: $343.1 1996: $239.9 1996: $239.9 1992: $192.2 1992: $192.2 1988: $210.7 1988: $210.7 1984: $103.6 1984: $103.6 1980: $92.3 1980: $92.3 1976: $66.9 1976: $66.9

Money in ElectionsMoney in Elections 1996 Clinton and Dole spent about $85 million each1996 Clinton and Dole spent about $85 million each

2000 Bush spent $185 million 2000 Bush spent $185 million

2004 Bush spent $367 million2004 Bush spent $367 million Kerry spent $326 millionKerry spent $326 million

Nader spent $4.5 millionNader spent $4.5 million

2008 Obama spent $730 million2008 Obama spent $730 million McCain spent $330 millionMcCain spent $330 million

2012 Obama spent $985 million2012 Obama spent $985 million Romney spent $992 millionRomney spent $992 million

How much do candidates How much do candidates spend per day as of October spend per day as of October

of 07?of 07? Newsweek, 10/29/07Newsweek, 10/29/07

Giuliani $112,101Giuliani $112,101 Romney $196,382Romney $196,382 McCain $104,894McCain $104,894

Thompson $46,773Thompson $46,773 Clinton $148,501Clinton $148,501 Obama $161,792Obama $161,792 Edwards $65,685Edwards $65,685

Today’s CandidatesToday’s Candidates

Money Raised for 2012 election

Campaign MoneyCampaign Money

Campaign Finance LawsCampaign Finance Laws

Laws that regulate how much money Laws that regulate how much money can be given to political candidates can be given to political candidates and how that money can be used.and how that money can be used.

Created by congressCreated by congress

Pre-BCRA2008 Cycle4

To any candidate committee (

To any national

party committe

e (per year)

To any PAC, state/local party, or (per year)

Individual can give:

$2,600

Campaign Finance LawsCampaign Finance Lawsfor 2014-16 election cyclefor 2014-16 election cycle

Where do Candidates get Where do Candidates get their moneytheir money

Private Private ContributionsContributions

Money given to a Money given to a candidate from an candidate from an individual, special individual, special interest, business, interest, business, etc.etc.

Matching funds (also Matching funds (also known as known as public public contributionscontributions))

Money the Money the government matches government matches

Only small Only small contributions ($250 contributions ($250 or less)or less)

Must be eligible Must be eligible

What are PAC’s?What are PAC’s?

Political Action CommitteePolitical Action Committee PAC’s for the purpose of raising and PAC’s for the purpose of raising and

spending money to elect and defeat spending money to elect and defeat candidates. candidates.

Most represent interest groups such Most represent interest groups such as business, labor or ideological as business, labor or ideological interests.interests.

Super PAC’sSuper PAC’s PAC’s that are organized to help or hurt a PAC’s that are organized to help or hurt a

specific candidate.specific candidate. They are supposed to be independent of They are supposed to be independent of

the candidate’s campaignthe candidate’s campaign People and corporations can give an People and corporations can give an

unlimited amount to a Super PACunlimited amount to a Super PAC New in 2012New in 2012

Super PAC spending Super PAC spending (Opensectrets.org)(Opensectrets.org)

For Obama: $50 MillionFor Obama: $50 Million Anti Obama $333 MillionAnti Obama $333 Million Total $383 MillionTotal $383 Million

For Romney $90.5 MillionFor Romney $90.5 Million Anti Romney $95 MillionAnti Romney $95 Million Total $185 MillionTotal $185 Million

Super PAC’s

Daily and weekly spending Daily and weekly spending by Super PACby Super PAC

Super PAC spending

““Soft Money”Soft Money”

Slang term for ways of getting Slang term for ways of getting around campaign finance laws.around campaign finance laws.

Federal Election Federal Election Commission (FEC)Commission (FEC)

In charge of enforcing campaign In charge of enforcing campaign finance laws.finance laws.

All money given to a candidate must All money given to a candidate must be reported to the FECbe reported to the FEC

Congress makes the campaign laws Congress makes the campaign laws but the FEC has to enforce them.but the FEC has to enforce them.

Image and Public Image and Public OpinionOpinion

Opinion PollsOpinion Polls

Opinion pollsOpinion polls

A survey of the American people on A survey of the American people on a number of issues.a number of issues.

CBS News/New York Times Poll. CBS News/New York Times Poll. Sept. 12-15, 2014. N=854 registered Sept. 12-15, 2014. N=854 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.4.

"Which ONE of the following issues will be MOST important in deciding your vote for Congress this November?

Economy 38%Economy 38% Terrorism 17%Terrorism 17% Health Care 16%Health Care 16% Budget Deficit 8%Budget Deficit 8% International Conflicts 6%International Conflicts 6% Other 4%Other 4%

CBS News PollCBS News Poll. Sept. 28-Oct. 2, . Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2011. N=1,012 adults nationwide. 2011. N=1,012 adults nationwide. Margin of error ±3. Margin of error ±3.

"What do you think is the most "What do you think is the most important problem facing this important problem facing this country today?"country today?"

Economy and jobs 54 % Economy and jobs 54 % Budget deficit/National debt 6% Budget deficit/National debt 6% War/Iraq/Afghanistan 4% War/Iraq/Afghanistan 4% Partisan politics 3% Partisan politics 3% Health care 2% Health care 2% Education 2% Education 2% Politicians/Government 2% Politicians/Government 2% Religious values 2% Religious values 2% Moral values/Family values 2% Moral values/Family values 2%

Concerns of the people Concerns of the people may change over time and may change over time and the amount of coverage an the amount of coverage an issue is getting.issue is getting.

PollingReport.com Pollster 2012 Pollster.com (2008) (2008) Final Electoral count (2008)

Who do you support for Who do you support for President?President?

RepublicansRepublicans DemocratsDemocrats

Exit PollingExit Polling

Exit polling 2008Exit polling 2008 Exit Polling 2012Exit Polling 2012 Onion segment on voting groups Onion segment on voting groups

(2:30 long)(2:30 long) Onion attack adOnion attack ad

Campaigns Campaigns SlogansSlogans

1988 George Bush Kinder, Gentler Nation

1992 Bill Clinton Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow

1992 Ross Perot Ross for Boss

1996 Bill Clinton Building a bridge to the 21st century

1996 Bob Dole The Better Man for a Better America

2000 Al Gore Prosperity for America's families

2000 George W. Bush Compassionate conservatism

2000 George W. Bush Real plans for real people

2000 George W. Bush Reformer with results

2000 Ralph NaderGovernment of, by, and for the

people...not the monied interests

2004 John Kerry Let America be America Again

2004 George W. Bush Yes, America Can!

Campaigns SlogansCampaigns Slogans

1864 Abraham Lincoln Don't swap horses in the middle of the stream

1884 Grover ClevelandBlaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, The Continental Liar from the State of Maine

1884 James BlaineMa, Ma, Where’s my Pa, Gone to the White House, Ha, Ha, Ha

1888 Benjamin Harrison Rejuvenated Republicanism

1896 William McKinley Patriotism, Protection, and Prosperity

1900 William McKinley A Full Dinner Pail

1916 Woodrow Wilson He kept us out of war

1920 Warren G. Harding Return to normalcy

1924 Calvin Coolidge Keep cool with Coolidge

1928 Herbert Hoover A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage

1952 Dwight Eisenhower I Like Ike

Slogans and Bumper Slogans and Bumper StickersStickers

PostersPosters

Campaign posters Campaign posters

PostersPosters

Candidate booksCandidate books

DebatesDebates

2008 debate2008 debate

Democratic Primary Democratic Primary DebateDebate

Why Register to Vote?Why Register to Vote?

So we don’t have voter fraud. This So we don’t have voter fraud. This protects from people voting multiple protects from people voting multiple times.times.

Voter TurnoutVoter Turnout

2008 62%2008 62%2012 58%2012 58%

Voter turnout over timeVoter turnout over time

What are the problems What are the problems with the Electoral with the Electoral

CollegeCollege

1. Winner takes all.1. Winner takes all. Whoever wins the state gets all of Whoever wins the state gets all of

the electoral votes and the loser gets the electoral votes and the loser gets none.none.

48 states use this method.48 states use this method. Two states (Nebraska and Maine) do Two states (Nebraska and Maine) do

not.not.

2. You can get the most 2. You can get the most popular vote and still popular vote and still

lose the electionlose the election

Lets suppose we have Lets suppose we have two candidatestwo candidates

Candidate A and Candidate BCandidate A and Candidate B

AA BB AA BB

CalifornCaliforniaia