Bush/Edwards and other possible election results - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

trickyy · 10-31-2004, 08:59 PM

Since the election is (supposedly) going to be so close, a number of interesting things can happen.

First, there is the possibilty of an electoral tie.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial...27/1001887.asp

Quote:

[T]here are 33 scenarios under which the battleground states could line up so that Kerry and Bush are in an electoral tie.

If each candidate wins exactly 269 electoral votes, the president is elected by the House of Representatives. Bush has the edge here of course. However, Cheney's job is not a sure thing. The VP is determined by the Senate.

http://www.fairvote.org/e_college/electoraltie.htm

Quote:

First of all, this provides the chance for a President and Vice President to be selected from different parties. Second, if by chance, no Vice Presidential candidate manages to obtain a majority in the Senate, there exists no provision in the Constitution providing and explanation of the procedure to follow to continue the election process. There is also no provision that addresses the possibility of Senators or Representatives that are running for the two high offices being in the position to vote for themselves if there is a tie in the Electoral College or no majority in the House or Senate.

OK, so Bush/Edwards is a remote possibility, but not entirely out of the question. And I'm sure there would be "a little" public outrage if the House and Senate pick our next leaders if it contradicts the popular vote.

Then there is Colorado, voting on an amendment to divide their electoral votes proportionally. The measure goes into effect immediately if passed. Here is one particularly interesting possibility...

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...,2952968.story

Quote:

The amendment passes and the election turns on Colorado. Give Kerry 269 electors, Bush 260, allow Bush to carry the state's popular vote, even while its confused citizens approve Amendment 36. Presto, we're back in Florida. Kerry picks up four electors, surpasses the magic electoral number of 270, and Republicans immediately go to court. They argue that when the Constitution says that electors in each state are to be appointed "in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct," it means the "legislature" as an institution, not legislation enacted by popular referendum. Democrats reply that the people also act as a legislature when they approve a referendum, and that in 18th century usage, legislature meant the supreme law-giving power within a state, and not merely the people's elected representatives. You make the call.

Speaking of lawyers, it doesn't take a crazy scenario to start an attorneys' civil war Wednesday morning.

Although these are interesting possibilities, hopefully we will have real clarity if/when the smoke clears.

jonjon42 · 10-31-2004, 09:08 PM

no matter what happens this year I believe it's going to turn into a litigation nightmare. I hope we find out who the president is by 2006 or so.

Ustwo · 10-31-2004, 09:59 PM

Bush/Edwards would be really fun.

Willravel · 10-31-2004, 10:21 PM

Kerry/Cheny would open a dimentional portal to hell. I'd like to see Cobb/Edwards...Cobb and Mrs. Edwards. I saw a broadcast of her speaking at some college. She has balls! She was willing to floor every question shot at her by the students. She answered them all more honestly then I've ever heard. I'd vote for her if she ran for preident.

seretogis · 10-31-2004, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

Kerry/Cheny would open a dimentional portal to hell. I'd like to see Cobb/Edwards...Cobb and Mrs. Edwards. I saw a broadcast of her speaking at some college. She has balls! She was willing to floor every question shot at her by the students. She answered them all more honestly then I've ever heard. I'd vote for her if she ran for preident.

Heh, one thing I've noticed about the Democratic ticket is that the wives are stronger than the husbands.

hiredgun · 10-31-2004, 10:44 PM

I have to agree with Ustwo about Bush/Edwards sounding like a lot of fun. It could make a wonderfuly good-natured sitcom, like The Odd Couple!

I highly, highly doubt that any such unusual pairing would actually occur. If anything, those Congressmen voting on the issue would realize that a split-ticket Presidency would be highly ineffectual.

host · 10-31-2004, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seretogis

Heh, one thing I've noticed about the Democratic ticket is that the wives are stronger than the husbands.

Not a very constructive comment, IMO. I'm not going to take
advantage of the opening that you've given me to compare
Laura Bush to her husband.

trickyy · 10-31-2004, 11:06 PM

would also be interesing if the senate was evenly spilt and cheney had to cast the deciding vote.

granted, the split ticket is pretty unlikely. but wild political speculation is kinda fun, epecially when the stakes are so high.

another remote possibility is a maverick elector who decides to vote against expectation. there is another thread concerning the eligibility of the ohio elector as well.

10-31-2004, 09:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
jonjon42 Psycho Location: inside my own mind	no matter what happens this year I believe it's going to turn into a litigation nightmare. I hope we find out who the president is by 2006 or so. __________________ A damn dirty hippie without the dirty part....

10-31-2004, 09:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	Bush/Edwards would be really fun. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

10-31-2004, 10:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Kerry/Cheny would open a dimentional portal to hell. I'd like to see Cobb/Edwards...Cobb and Mrs. Edwards. I saw a broadcast of her speaking at some college. She has balls! She was willing to floor every question shot at her by the students. She answered them all more honestly then I've ever heard. I'd vote for her if she ran for preident.

10-31-2004, 10:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
hiredgun Addict	I have to agree with Ustwo about Bush/Edwards sounding like a lot of fun. It could make a wonderfuly good-natured sitcom, like The Odd Couple! I highly, highly doubt that any such unusual pairing would actually occur. If anything, those Congressmen voting on the issue would realize that a split-ticket Presidency would be highly ineffectual.

10-31-2004, 11:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
trickyy ►	would also be interesing if the senate was evenly spilt and cheney had to cast the deciding vote. granted, the split ticket is pretty unlikely. but wild political speculation is kinda fun, epecially when the stakes are so high. another remote possibility is a maverick elector who decides to vote against expectation. there is another thread concerning the eligibility of the ohio elector as well.