In this video I answer the question in the title. My French pen pal S. posed it to me this afternoon. I told S. it would answer it in my next video.
If you don’t want to listening to my yammering for six minutes I recommend you read the political portion of our conversation which I’ve placed below the video. As you read it ask yourself how you would explain the American political system to someone from another country. How would you explain your intention to run for Congress?
S: The father of a friend of mine died of the coronavirus..at the age of 93…he was in a care home.
Me: We have have read many stories of care homes with a great many virus deaths.
….3 died in a Duluth home last week.
S: Yes..you know that nobody knows how we can begin again to go working starting the 11th of May as Macron said in the news..
Not enough masks..not enough tests
Me: We have 50 states all making different decisions.
S: I saw the demonstrations in USA against the containment.
….People pretend that it is against their freedom
Me: Those demonstrations were politically motivated and based on ignorance. Nurses often protested the protesters
S: Ah Harry ..you want to be candidate for the Congress elections
Me: It’s easy to run. It only cost $300 to file. Winning is altogether different.
S: Who will vote for the candidates and where
Me: I will be a protest candidate. Protesting
S: Yes I read it..not from Republican neither Democrat..am I right?
Me: Minnesota has 8 congressman. I live in the northeast district.
…https://images.app.goo.gl/yCsoJZG2jHQJv2Rr9
….Men and women
….Two are women and both of our Senators are women
….The 8th district is about 1/4th of the state’s area
S: Are you numerous to apply?
Me: Each congressional district has about 500,000 people
S: But how many candidates?
Me: I will challenge the incumbent who is a Republican. 3 democrats are trying to win the endorsement of that party.
….In august a primary will leave one democrat and one Republican for the November general election
….My chances of winning are almost infinitesimally small.
….As a protest candidate I don’t mind that
S: Are you well known in your city?
Me: Very
S: Do you have many friend?
….I guess yes…stupid question..sorry
Me: I think so but that won’t mean they will vote for me
….People like my sculptures but don’t always agree with my ideas..
S: In the case you would win what would be your task?
….I have not a very good knowledge of your political system
Me: I think I will answer that question in my next video.
….But that is a very unlikely possibility.
S: Yes for your ignoramus penpal
Me: Most Americans don’t either so you are in good company.
….And you are not an ignoramus.
S: You voting system is indirect
….It’s completely different in France
….I never understood why Hilary Clinton lost
Me: Yes and no. The presidential election depends on “electors” which means a majority vote won’t necessarily win
S: She had the majority in voices for her
….Yes..not very equitable I find
Me: Minnesota has 10 of 535 national electors. Each state gets 2 electors matching its senators. And they get one elector for each congressman. We have 2 senators and 8 congressman.
S: Do American people agree with this system?
Me: California has about 50 congressmen and 2 senators. Wyoming had 2 senators and 1 congressman
S: It is proportional with the number of voters I guess
….Or inhabitants?
Me: Its was written into our constitution from the start. Every time a president is elected with fewer votes Americans complain.
….The House of representatives is. The Senate is not. It was a famous compromise to form the United States
S: The congressmen are mainly Republican isn’t?
….Do you think Trump could lose
Me: After the 2018 election democrats won a majority in the House. The Senate has been under a republican majority since the 2010 election.
S: In France it is said he will win again
Me: I am acting as though he is likely to win. I would hate that. I think the world is smart to expect it. But a majority of Americans have serious objections to him. But only 50 percent of Americans may vote. It will come down to who votes in November.
S: Oh Harry I will give you nightmares with my questions..
Me: No. Not at all.
And on to other subjects…….
