The Presidential Nomination Process

Helena asked about the history of the unit rule in the electoral college. A brief (albeit opinionated) summary is here.

Madeleine asked about the complex system of federal matching funds. You may find more detail here.

The New York Times has good information on the delegate-selection process, including the latest dates for party primaries and caucuses. Before any official delegate selection there are unofficial events such as the Ames straw poll.

If you want to see some brief clips of Iowa caucuses, see here.

And the Dean Scream ... from a different perspective.

Presidential Advisers

I heard Professor Pitney talking to the New York Times on the phone about this issue and found the article this weekend. It seems like the advisory role has shifted throughout time. Lincoln embraced the debate that surrounded him and welcomed dissenting opinions. In these past 7 years, Karl Rove and Dick Cheney seemed to have run the show, how many dissenting opinions does the President listen to today?

When we elect our next president are we voting for the candidate or for his/her staff and advisers? There is a lot of talk about Hillary Clinton's team, there was a great article in the Washington Post this summer about "Hillaryland." After the Bush and Clinton presidencies, and the impact of their closest advisers, it seems like there is more to consider in an election than is clear to the American public.

"First Laddie" Diplomat

During Bill Clinton's recent trip to London, he told The Guardian that his Scottish friends suggest he be referred to as "first laddie" if his wife, Hillary, is elected president. In interviews released to the press in Britain, Clinton said Hillary envisions his potential role in the White House as a diplomatic one, in order "to restore America's standing" in the international community.

The possibility of having a First Gentleman in the White House (especially a former president) presents some interesting questions.

CMCers may remember, when President Clinton spoke in Bridges Auditorium last spring he was singing the same tune--he would gladly serve as US Ambassador to the world--and he reminded us that he will do whatever Hillary tells him. Who knows if that will include picking the presidential china.

Click here to read more.

Nixon to Clinton

President Nixon sought to rally the "silent majority" for his Vietnam policies. Gerald Ford was an experienced lawmaker with a detailed knowledge of government -- but Americans remember him via Chevy Chase. Carter had a pedestrial inaugural, and his presidency stayed that way. Reagan was a stronger communicator. Dana Carvey nailed Bush 41. Clinton, alas, will go down for an unfortunate phrase.

Speaking freely

Peggy Noonan had an interesting piece in The Wall Street Journal over the weekend entitled "Hear, Hear" - - talking about how we are limiting ourselves by controlling whom we do and do not talk to. Near the end, she urges both Republicans and Democrats to stop avoiding possible negative interactions while campaigning. She argues, I believe correctly, that if a candidate is serious about a certain policy issue it is necessary for him or her to talk to the dissenters. Politicians cannot afford to be scared of a few boos.

Check it out. The link above should work, but searching for it in the WSJ database pulls it up as well.

Ike Through Nixon

In early 1961, Ike gave his Farewell Address, famously warning of the military-industrial complex. Days later, the torch passed to JFK, who took a distinctly militant tone in the Cold War. Kennedy took full advantage of new technology, starting the practice of holding press conferences on live TV. His successor, Lyndon Johnson, had an earthy way of expressing himself.

In future weeks, we shall discuss Nixon in greater detail. But this brief clip gives a sense of his hard-edged view of international politics.

The Little Rock Nine

In class today, we will probably be discussing Eisenhower's use of federal troops to enforce a desegregation order in Little Rock, Arkansas. Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary. They had a ceremony with the original Little Rock Nine in attendance over at Little Rock Central High School.