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Tim Walz Unveils the Left’s Hidden Truths We’ve Always Suspected

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Tim Walz

By Michael Maibach |

During a recent event in California, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stressed the need to reconsider the Electoral College. Speaking alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom on October 10, he stated, “I think all of us know the Electoral College needs to go.” His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some Democrats who advocate for a national popular vote.

Walz’s statements have ignited discussion within political circles. Although the Harris campaign quickly distanced itself from his views on abolishing the Electoral College, his bold declaration has set the tone for future debates. The implications of shifting to a national popular vote are significant, as an amendment would require the consent of 38 states—a threshold that seems improbable.

Currently, the states in the Compact aim to redirect their electoral votes to align with the national popular vote winner. With more than half of the U.S. population residing in only nine states, this could lead to a disproportionate focus on metropolitan areas, leaving rural voices further marginalized. The National Popular Vote (NPV) Interstate Compact, initiated in 2006, seeks to circumvent the constitutional barriers and would activate upon securing 270 electoral votes.

In the last two years, both Minnesota and Maine joined the NPV, bringing the total to 17 states and 209 electoral votes. Notably, these states are predominantly governed by a single party, highlighting concerns over the fairness and representativeness of the Compact’s approach. States involved in this agreement pledge to allocate their electoral votes based on the national popular vote, even if it contradicts their own state’s outcome.

Governor Walz referenced rural regions like Beaver County and York County, Pennsylvania, emphasizing his belief that candidates should not have to campaign in smaller communities. Critics of his stance argue that such a viewpoint undermines the diverse needs of the electorate. Are America’s urban centers truly suited to dictate national priorities?

Moreover, Walz’s perspective seems misaligned with global practices. Among the 27 countries in the European Union, only France and Cyprus utilize a national popular vote for electing leaders. In contrast, nations like Japan, Canada, and Australia employ parliamentary systems that differ significantly from the American model.

The debate over the Electoral College connects to broader principles of fairness and representation. In sports, winning is often defined by the number of games secured rather than total points. Similarly, the Electoral College encourages candidates to campaign across 50 states, engaging with a diverse array of constituents.

As discussions about electoral reforms continue, it’s vital to consider the motivations behind them. Candidates must balance outreach to both urban and rural voters to foster a truly representative democracy, echoing the principle of E Pluribus Unum—“Out of many, one.” The complexities of the Electoral College are part of what shapes American elections, serving both as a challenge and as a hallmark of federalism.

Michael Maibach is a contributor to The Daily Caller News Foundation and a Distinguished Fellow on American Federalism at Save Our States. He also serves as a Trustee and the Managing Director of the James Wilson Institute.