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even face punishment in 24 states (3).

Was 2000 fair?

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled furtively yes but yielded a second opinion that it wasn't. Basically, most believe they wanted nothing to do with the result. Several Florida newspapers did do recounts after 2000 and found, in all cases, Bush won the election in Florida. The simple truth is: voters blew Gore's shot when they voted for Nader. Gore also lost his home state of Tennessee costing him the election as well.

Will it Change?

It is doubtful the Electoral College will ever be abandoned simply because it really has always worked, and Senators and Representatives from small states would block an Amendment to abandon it. Small states certainly wouldn't pass it anyway since it would erode their political power.

The only way it would ever be seriously considered is if a candidate got over 50% of the popular vote and lost. Even then, it would be a tough call since the popular vote would still be extremely close by .5% or less.

In the end, as 2000 proved, every vote counts. Of course, since only 60% or less usually vote, the American People are doing more damage to the Democratic Process than anything because they are too lazy to cast a vote. It has become a right taken for granted. It is amusing to see new democracies have near 100% turnouts and the world leader in Democracy fail year after year to vote. And, yes, if you don't vote, you are lazy and shouldn't be complaining about who wins anyway. After all, it's your fault the one you wanted to win lost in the first place.

1 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U nited_States_presidential_elec tion%2C_2000

2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U nited_States_presidential_elec tion%2C_2000_Florida_results

3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U nited_States_Electoral_College

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