Today, the 2024 US presidential election will be held. My blog is not about its outcome, nor about my (current) prediction. My blog is about a topic I’ve used before: A Nation gets the Leader it deserves (eg, LinkedIn). Alternatively:
“Every country has the government it deserves.”
A phrase by the French philosopher Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821)
Why do both phrases feel so true and/or valid??
The simplest explanation is that any (democratically chosen) political leader represents the majority of its voters. No authoritarian leader will ever represent her/his (alleged) “voters” (eg, China, Iran, North Korea, Russia).
In my view, the extent of equality vs inequality is key in defining the majority and the remaining (several) minorities. Increasing inequality has diluted the (once common) 80/20, 70/30, or even 60/40 majorities.
Political minorities are often grouped by (an alternative) language (eg, Basque, Quebec), and/but also by their jobs (eg, farmers), or their political choices and priorities (eg, animals, farmers, greens).
According to various media reports, the U.S. is facing a 50/50 deadlock situation. That deadlock will not be about its representative, popular votes, but about its somewhat–representative U.S. Electoral College system. Hence, sometimes an elected U.S. president did not win the popular vote.
Authoritarian leaders will view the U.S. 50/50 deadlock election as “evidence” why democracy does not work (for them). The European multiparty system must be a thorn in their view.
Would a European multiparty system also be an American solution for its deadlocked national elections? Tim Walz Says the ‘Electoral College Needs to Go’ (National Review, 9 October 2024). Given the 50/50 deadlock situation, that would be highly unlikely.
Tonight’s the Night (1975) by Neil Young
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-artist, Wiki-album+song
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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