William Straus

I can't wait to go back to feel noting that a human visit I am going to analysis that -- local delicacy that many people know about it -- cheese stakes obviously the most famous exported from Philadelphia. The that -- I mean how good is it it and miles beyond everywhere everywhere in the world people want Philadelphia cheat -- don't kid yourself my friend and that's grapple. No I'm not anybody ever had scrabble back there yeah it is it is what I like to terms and damage it's it's god treaty and it is it's pig snouts. And -- it's everything left oh its war breaks its port and it is not qualify as. His sport it's a bottle there isn't hostile. It's. It's got to meet. What they do is they -- to -- pork and eroding -- and they fry it so it is so -- by the -- heart attacks are on the rise of all I'm I'm going to eat and you need some scrabble. -- issue like I'd sort of likes to -- you know want to see -- I want to ask -- to lower. Well we're talking about history -- Poland just like him in one also -- I want to talk about the -- oral. -- It's an island askew. I don't have done that you would feel like I want you to you you and your your beautiful lifer. It's always blocking. Structure here invited. Here you are most definitely not invited relatives reading them -- you're not come -- I will not it's of the director of the Pagoda and reading them -- of -- for a drink escape. -- We'll have the day old times. I thought that I'd seriously though there is going to collect. On the boat how was it with all the listeners. Because we are a little worried that they were gonna tell us your as overboard.

As a matter of fact that you -- and I'm glad you asked you know decided to bring this up on my you know yes day she finally they strongly recommend you know public execution of monitoring. -- The Boston crowd had more than twice we sold more than twice. The bookings this here's a filly did here's where we're going to -- in the RKO crowd when we had the meet and greet that I had to do with them on the first day it's eight. Probably went almost now will be on its allotted. Oh its allotted time it was fabulous they were very enthusiastic wanted to know about you my injury the show in the rich -- evident now what about this politically. Lot of discussion on questions state politics present. You couldn't answer because I was in there India you know what was right well -- don't -- had a ball and they dollar that up -- that date they loved -- here's what my and so we're gonna do who would love -- here's the deal when I'm moved to assassinate. -- All that'd be good. That would be good we'll do that we could discuss the electoral college and -- you Khatami -- And that would that would mean the ship would have the very very quickly it would -- sipping Bailey's together and Gaza you can abrasives grapple. Sticky ones we're -- a sticky. -- It's all right -- enough assess the luggage each newspaper reports the globe and herald reports that yesterday. In the Massachusetts House of Representatives this one's work. Lawmakers. Yesterday by a substantial -- Back a built to replace the Electoral College with a popular vote in presidential elections now Indy strikers usually pulled between the two of those guys behind the last he usually the more coherent and conscious of the two. He would remember. That state representative -- Geography challenge. Surely Murphy -- Murphy publication in its spoke out then he wasn't on the island that came it stopped -- wise -- and on the beach was not on the -- name in here into the studio. Talked about this bill. Why he thought it was as prognosis -- at least a few months ago was early you have Charlie Murphy in here without me. Yes -- you went to you would just when you Saturday assurances that all three preakness and three nuns understand this is pretty gods but Charlie -- came in and give his explanation and I asked a couple of questions about an -- support the stand touched -- what's gone on. This is an interest in bill and you know I'm at odds with what my former colleagues did. Yesterday I would not have voted for this there is no way in the world I think the Electoral College works and I think it's essential to protecting the interest. A small states I look at California. And I say hell no I won't go I don't like the way that's state. Can leave this country socially culturally economically. In in all the different ways in and by now moving in this direction if in fact this becomes. Our next new way of electing a president they know it sounds. It's a simple superficial -- like -- that you know one man one vote national two vote how could you how could he have any objection. The fact of the matter is that California's or had even more dominant than they do now that is not a good -- the kind. -- a small stay explained don't forget that we were smallest that I am not here for very much -- some going to give you yet another lesson in politics because.

Once more you are incorrect my friend. Here's the deal it's not like that California doesn't already have. A bigger say -- who -- president. As it is California has what 54 electoral votes. Lots right lots of New York or California Florida Pennsylvania Ohio all have a bigger saying who becomes president. That does Massachusetts that's not going to change. So. And again this is a big -- year and John Adams on the fan John Adams I just finished reading David McCullough is. Phenomenal book on the subject John Adams who disagree with you my friend we are all Americans we stand United in electing our John Adams we're not divide -- Adams -- disagree with me you know the only idea out. Literally would disagree relentless and any into David McCullough on the phone hit it dead among the boat we're gonna have a break this ties a matter of fact. I have as well as the price -- a few guys you can I don't know I don't have the -- He acknowledged that but he said he doesn't like the way you like pocket like you -- like likes -- much that's exactly right don't start -- let's. Get him on the phone.

He will tell you right now. The John Adams would say to you. The where we are Americans first deal where we are electing a president for the entire country not instrumental recall that the Electoral College was constitutionally. Contrived device to protect. The interest of the smaller states Massachusetts in my opinion make is making a big mistake in getting into this. In today's game moving in this direction because we are in comparison to the Pennsylvania's where you'll soon be. -- From the Matta -- and hey good want to state representative bill Straus.

today. Good morning. How good they may have voiced John Gonzales is my co host here in the RKO studio we -- a little bit of and I can well selanne combo. I'm humbled because registered -- smart guy in the plan I shall I know it all letter here. Ellen it's a very difficult thing I I'm glad that you're joining us because generally on the one who asked to explain politics to Tom not very silent on the subject after I know the you'll help me as well. Explain to him why it's better for rest going to the popular vote against Andy do away with the abortion that is the Electoral College -- had bill and I know I think you have a different point of view -- bill ball.

Yeah I I I I I I I. And I think. You may have been misinformed him -- you mind and am now -- based on industry and it's the writing. Such people it Daniel Moynihan when he was in the US senate. Who pointed out to Cali successfully. Even when it was a question of trying to and the constitution felt that. When you look back at what some of the founders and one of these well known but most articulate James Madison it it. Several papers was we have to concept of majority and -- any in the constitution. And this notion of that list in -- exit to. Bring the will of the people through their votes. And through the role of the state in the different geographical. And ideological interest they came together support in the United States is what is in -- in the Electoral College in the just be ready. When you look at the wake congress' setup in the US and it is the most anti majority area. Concept in the world but he has served as well where we get two senators California gets too little nor the co advocate to. But in order the passing laws that govern all the people in the United States. We have this concept that you must get the consent. The majority of the population bodies that House of Representatives. And in the states is they used it represented the US and we are very proud of the fact that. Out of proportion to our population. In defiance of the concept of one man one vote art two senators. Can take the floor of the Senate. And stop the greatest fear that the founders saw based on history and what is happening in the world where the constitutional convention. And that's the tyranny of the majority. I have taken a harder -- Oh that I understand that I appreciate it is much easier eight former governor governor dukakis'. Eight more votes you win. But what happened in politics which I know a little bit about. Is that if you change the dynamics of the weight candidates run for president. And you make it the pure popular vote. You could go and I was a big supporter of Al Gore it was a a recount observer market you can go to simply 600 counties at 3000. Country and win the popular vote but what will be lost -- you won't have to do in that case where new pictures as we stayed in these this year.

quote after three reference to Latin neighbors to the north. -- West Virginia all those little states that become. Crucial and -- an absolute essential plot of the fabric. A back country just the best and don't let you have to for ten -- if -- really great British aerospace fine morning are Gonzalez has actually been taken notes it's the first time he is actually listened and learned. This is that you have just given us a constitutional. Salmon this is fabulous yeah.

I'm not -- what I said last night to my colleagues unsuccessfully but that's -- this work is. They were at the constitutional scholars last night they disagree with me that's fine but I guarantee you. Massachusetts now being only does -- state. This concept is not wearing well it was defeated by the mean House of Representatives people. It was killed in Vermont killed in Rhode Island because guess what smallest states in Beverly Massachusetts is becoming. These smaller state relative to the rest of the country small states are beginning to get the concept that. The constitution protects our text the protests are used we this. And genius design of the Electoral College that.

And I understand and I understand if -- if you look at the small state if you part of a small state and well we're sure they're okay and that's fine and and everybody wants to make sure that small states are protected wonderful but this sort of thing we need to get away from. This division of states because and I would commit -- because -- deduct and sort. You don't like sarcastic I did not actually get up at -- federal republic I'd -- any state I don't I don't concede this here's here's why because. Don't you think that politically the climate the divided and divisive blue and red state climate is. To me counterproductive because right now what we have is if you live in I've lived in now to states that war. In terms of their in terms of their political make up. Already very much decide Texas and now Massachusetts -- this event and a retinal no matter what vote I cast no matter what vote I cast it did not matter because Texas.

not true but that's not Dallas hospital because you're looking at a snapshot think of it this way Massachusetts. It is was argued. Massachusetts is being ignored because it's I hope. Clearly anticipated that Barack Obama went. That's not because were ignored that's because the democratic party's platform it's candidates it's. He's the issues with which it's become identified has been spoken to by the Democratic Party. If anything we have not been ignored and that's why collectively as a state we -- with the Democratic Party this thing might be set for. They haven't been ignored by the Republican Party they have -- being paid attention to so like any rate. You go to where you still at contested issues Massachusetts he's in the game so to speak. Is anyone think Bill Clinton when he was president ignored Massachusetts because he won our state but I'm absolutely not. It's that York magazine and sure in the globe mine now. Talked about how Bill Clinton loves Massachusetts's -- at times -- mart is making it. We were not ignored we were part of the action and we were not taken for granted our voters were not taken for granted had they -- they might have that historically there -- many decades ago voted for a pop.

An about what I'm telling you I submit to you would Tom -- that we need to divest ourselves of this. This state identification. Then -- then well John actually going to be Arabs are out there are a lot of very much. John Adams John Adams who was very much into part of because this is a party system what it does is. It creates states that are for parties rather than individual votes that say you know what. I'm for acts because I'm an American we and it doesn't have at it she sits.

Would you be unhappy it's a national populous let me about it president. Became president with 20% of the national vote and that's what they like this they provide.

Thank you bill and I guess here is our state representative bill -- Democrat from out of -- at spoke eloquently yesterday against this bill notwithstanding his speech in his argument he lost by a substantial much of margin -- kind of recreating the drama he on -- vessel from. And it just have to to to bill Strauss -- point yes how do you like the fact that you ought to vote. In the from from him Massachusetts residents now if this bill actually if this actually becomes. That you can win the national popular vote by going to 20%. Of the counties in this country in it'd be essentially. California -- it's Florida Ohio marys and our arguments here's why I -- just screwed. Eighty by by your embrace of this cockamamie idea no I think it's 80% of the people do you report to want to lead in the I got.

This argument because. The media cycle now wouldn't allow if you are only going to. 20% of the county's you'd get murdered by the rest of the country Ford because basically it's a never ending presidential media cycle there's no way that you could get away with you get absolutely report and again. I keep coming back to this point for me I I I lived in Texas and lived in Massachusetts might vote mattered not --

Cited country is -- always politicos last week where Texas is now becoming. Within the next four or eight or twelve years is going to be a contested.

Contaminants stay totally becoming but I have been an unfortunate it is snapshot much time high and as much as I am. I'm going to miss Boston. I am really looking forward to moving to a state prior to an election that's in -- and there are early and you -- those in the country so right now what you're saying -- only 20% of the country is going to have a safe we go to the popular vote we'll look at you know our our house -- here's the temporary right where it is shaped packets of its -- the exact same things are very -- but you out of.

Elevates you have a multi million parked outside of your house because bill Strauss is -- that he and tonight we are -- you -- trying to -- program -- going to point out Q yes that these so called swing state yes I -- constant -- it constantly changes Massachusetts voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 84 but in any given year there will still only be a handful of toss -- states a year saying. Only a small percentage of people would have a -- who would become president if it wants a popular vote right.

That's what's so slowly Massachusetts would not be so blue so to speak if we were being ignored by the Democratic Party. And and that is the key thing and that is what the constitution provides is in order become president you must mean in a number of places. Geographically. And issue wise you cannot be a minority. Issue or perspective candidate. And if nothing else this debate courses. The city since I represent you speak to through the media. To start reading article two section one of the constitution. Or. That ballistics -- and that most people work Federalist paper number if the United. If people become as I urge my colleagues to do. Their own constitutional scholar rather than accept. He blueprint document written on K street Washington that they are not urged to Walter consider her -- in any way. Because. Different lobbying groups feel -- in their interest -- these.

And that's and that's what -- I'm glad you got to that -- bill Strauss is politics and mine would diverged from many many tents and thinking or what we laugh about it football Democrats but I am -- of a Democrat the bill Strauss no problem what's the get along well. This is brought to more than anything else principally by common cause who -- and pop up political. Opportunity here that they don't have now you have to reflect on this reality giant that just going to speak to John Gonzales economic co host as opposed to bill Strauss has been leading the seminar in an eloquent -- smart smart man he's a very smart man in his deal you have to reflect upon the fundamental and legitimate differences that exist to day as well as -- is that back. When they adopted in the constitution. There were agrarian rural. Agricultural interest as opposed to industrial interest in the people that the the founders thought this is this is known to split badly the fracture will be. Unmanageable and not not irreparable. You have to come up with they system and that's what electoral colleges that stitches the country together recognizing. That each region has fundamental economic and other interest that might not lying I just another region of the country I just figured out why the two reviewer in favor of it because it it plays right into the hands of party.

Massachusetts wouldn't be as quote blue eyes and otherwise was Republicans and Democrats alike love this because it keeps it divided along party lines and frankly John.

I actually earth we're not like he's our security differing speeds and it's my nature. How that that may be true and that that's fine if it's the public wants to do that no problem with that but here's what. The Electoral College in an inherently does to someone. Who wants to be present in the United States it makes them -- coalition. He makes them in -- morning in his words. Work to create consensus. And different from the countries in and nations that have come and gone over 200 years. And it's not by accident that we survived. Our government to move to install our national leader. Ends up with someone who had to build coalitions. We have a system of government which I hope people begin to appreciate. Which brings people together not apart you don't have to look far to different parliament -- or other forms of government where. -- vision devices in this rule the day and they can go through -- one of the speakers pointed out. We're government since World War II in Italy and other countries its habitat because their systems of government. The way they whip elect their leaders in courage people to segment and the.

By division division our consulate open at netstat will disappear we -- so called national populist this this is great slogan bad govern there you go.

We're -- if we can't bill -- let us try to squeeze in a call to because every politics this year ocean you have the benefit of bill Strauss is wisdom and constitutional inside on this let's go read a joke from Boston hey -- bill -- John Gonzales and Tom Finneran.

Good morning well operative but certainly that's what's needed to get out of that. A national popular vote would become a purely a media war in the top twenty media market well no question -- big wet one proper. It's doing Nebraska and Maine where it's not a winner take all you war one -- districts and then the other selectors. -- the overall winner of this state. I think that would you know break this blue state red state thing where. If -- haven't sent to visit restate because maybe there are some district she could -- off -- if you weren't the end the majority party.

Okay actually might -- what Barack Obama did in this in this primary from Brooklyn -- versus real quick because I know we have a lot of cause that we got to get to. Two things number one we already have a media war it's called an election. That's not going to change number two and most importantly in this and this to bill and Tom's point about well you know we went to a popular vote they would only visit to small amount of the counties and they wouldn't be this is not nineteen ought eight. Nobody is get Vonage rain and go and every county in the country to talk to --

I'm leaning yelled go inner circle from Los Angeles to Chicago to New York to Miami every day.

It won't kill bill bill bill when I'm telling you is that right now. Not everybody in the country in fact most Americans in the country do not get to meet the presidential candidates or hear them speak like most Americans make informed decisions. I read in the newspapers like going on line. By checking out some and to pay for a -- to interaction router anyway it sound like we cannot get depressed we're going to get the same kind of interaction and and pandering frankly. From these politicians that we do now no no no Arnold Zardari -- isn't national ratings.

From somebody who's had some political success and that's not me that's bill -- when you change the rules of how do you engage -- seek and pursue political office then obviously the candidates are going to hew to the new set of rules in if it becomes national popular vote. The West Virginia is in the New Hampshire is of the world forget it now they became crucial. The arkansas' it -- we want we want Arkansas West Virginia don't coming wondered if they do right neglected day every amid every bit as much American as you well let's go to Tony -- from Peabody Tony -- here with state representative bill -- And that co hosts John Gonzales and Tom Finneran.

You hit fourteen years gonzo. You have remember is that it takes only a small amount I would say 20% of the major state. What -- McCain win this year. What you can do this part. You can ghost are flat board basically you applause please just give -- this -- and only god will keep getting -- I like this because. Don't that they give me this -- we haven't they'd get nothing.

Ideally Tony first I told you many many times before if you listen to show might notice for sale so with how -- I -- I thought -- So much about should be making an effort to get bill -- not to elevate its privatization and educate I told them people and here -- caught myself alcohol -- cellular right now -- argue is that we've got a system right now where most people don't come in contact with the presidential candidates were all getting it to the media as it is so let's make everybody's.

You know it's it's it's surprising how wrong you are and this is a beautiful thing not a surprise that -- that I really -- that's. This excellent candidate they're beautiful things about our extended. Nomination process. I happen to BM that your army knows. A member of the credentials committee of the Democratic National Convention had been on the rules committee to the national convention before I mean -- in the party rules activities. And a lot of people we're upset within the Democratic Party when. Race for the nomination continued beyond so called Super Tuesday marked what it did do contrary it you know the Boston magazine view is. These two candidates engaged in a conversation. Through state after state and even put an island Puerto Rico. And Guam. Where a surprising number in the millions of people and in some fashion direct contact with that person who might be president. And so your notion that people have. No contact with these candidates is absolutely wrong had -- do not take compared English. Whoever the next Prime Minister is -- the current one is who picks the candidate. Well the party leaders voters have no role whatsoever. They have great crop is a party convention on the beach in in England meets number depict their party leader who hit the parliamentary. -- they the elections in the next cycle. Our candidates for president actually do have to go out there and stand before the people and millions of people have been rallies. I'll say if you asked your callers to start calling it how many saw Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama is speaking -- Massachusetts. This year to gain the nomination.

As well as not as well and in a very intimate way our neighbors to the north knew he had actually really doesn't and retail way New Hampshire of forget it it's going to be for it would be in the rearview mirror of history. If we -- the -- that's why bill -- coming up to a break we're going to let you go in -- thanks it's been gone through all right did you guys and a constitutional seven we got to continue that state representative bill -- he'd -- from the Boston Globe is right around -- would -- business report with -- a special thanks to bill -- that was that was great strength and mania it's -- wrong but I like -- on his great I. I love these guys did it will take a short break right now we'll be back in a moment on -- have 680 WRKO.