As a subscriber to the NYT, I'm not surprised by their reaction to the primaries, though I'm as angry as you. The Times has long been more terrified of progressives than they are of the MAGA Right. Through the years, their editorials chide Progressives for being too strident, too vocal, too loud - as though the Left were unruly children bent on wrecking their parents' dinner party. They are always WARNING the Left not to rock the boat or go too far. It's actually embarrassing.
They know where they stand with the Far Right. But the Left scares them to death. So their "stark warning to the Democratic Party" is just another day at the office.
Yes, I think of a world without Baby Bush being president. I guess the American people in the white states couldn't imagine the prosperity that was going on at the end of the Clinton administration continuing and the media helped them out with that one.
Yes, Ruth, and they (the myopic voters) got a self-fulfilling prophesy. I have to admit, though, that while I very much despised Dubya, I lay most of the blame on his string-puller Cheney. I can't help but wonder if his daughter isn't trying to atone for that a bit by her performance on the 1/6 Committee.
I'm with you Sidge! It's really becoming annoying to the point of reconsidering my financial support of the publication I've loved for years and many reasons. BUT like too many media outlets, NYT is prone to engagement-driven headlines to lock in eyeballs instead of assure the accuracy of information conveyed in context. Legit press keeps assertions for the ops page and out of the headlines!
You are absolutely correct, Sidge! With the change in how journalism is supported - no longer by general purpose advertising - the NYT has become as susceptible to clickbait needs as other media. A far cry from its tradition of journalistic excellence.
Caruso will condemn all the people without homes to be sent to live in excess private prison capacity, rather than support humane public housing assistance. Just like the Republican he actually is, he will support private industry over government support every time.
When Ronald Reagan closed all the mental health facilities years ago he failed to plan for the people he put on the street and the problem has only gotten worse with the increasing division between the rich and the poor.
It seems Saint Ronnie didn't plan for much. His poor foresight led to so many of the problems we have now. He was essentially a puppet for the forces who wanted to rework our economy to benefit only the white few. And, we are now experiencing the outcome of that poor economic planning. The media loved Reagan because he was photogenic, could read a script really well, and had survived a near-fatal shooting. That made him a hero like in the movies. He was not held accountable for Iran-Contra or pretty much anything including the deaths of the hundreds of Marines in Lebanon. Hillary was never forgiven for 4 deaths in Ben Gazi. The media paints its own pictures and expects us to visit them often in their museums.
I always felt that Reagan was a much better ACTOR as a President than he was as an actor in films.
I'm afraid I have to reference Neil deGrasse Tyson's observation again: "What are the lessons to be learned from this journey of the mind through the universe? That humans are emotionally fragile, perennially gullible, hopelessly ignorant masters of an insignificantly small speck in the cosmos. Have a nice day."
So very, very true...and yet so many among us imagine that humans ARE Masters of the Universe; that we are the ultimate achievement of evolution. What nonsense.
LOL!! For one thing, I will never forgive Ronald Reagan, in 1984, the United States was all set to convert to the Metric System of measurement. After all, every country in the world used the Metric System, except us and Liberia. I was a Science teacher at the time and could hardly wait for the switch. I had been hearing about this great change about to happen since college. Even the auto makers had tooled up for the change. Then, Dear Ronnie decided it was too complicated for his minuscule brain to understand, so, he ended it. So, here we remain the only, supposedly civilized country on Earth using an outdated, inaccurate, difficult to manipulate, system of measurement based on such logical things as the length of a certain English monarchs foot, and the length of a "man's thumb" from the knuckle to the joint.
Thank you Jean, for mentioning Ronnie Baby's closure of Mental Health facilities here in California. Many forget he 'governed' California before he became president of the US. What he said about closing mental health facilities was "Their families and Communities will take care of them". Like so many clueless republicans he was still living in the 19th century when folks lived on farms or in small communities and there were attic bedrooms where demented grandparents and loony cousins lived out their gloomy lives. Not only did the republicans not include sufficient local financial assistance in the budget to care for the newly released mentally ill, they also didn't enforce the tax laws. If you'll recall Ronald Reagan paid ZERO State or Federal Taxes during his tenure as Governor. A fact released by a female reporter for the Sacramento State College Hornet. I was a student at the time and remember the glee I felt when her story was picked up nationally.
Unfortunately, whatever Reagan did or didn't do during his political career mattered little. He was the symbol of something, a 19th century marshall or gunfighter. People with mental illness, whatever! His rich donors wanted institutions closed, so closed they were. That happened all over the country and only the folks completely unable to be put on the streets remained in the institutions. Those guys in charge like Reagan couldn't consider making the facilities more humane, positive, hopeful, and caring. They had and continue to have no vision, yet the media love them and citizens keep voting for them.the old west or
Thank you Gary for that link. Professor Richardson succinctly and graciously explained what I have been saying since 1973. We, The majority of Citizens of the United States of America have allowed a minority of white "macho" males to dominate our culture. It's not just Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, it's the Clint Eastwood's, John Wayne's, Dirty Harry's, ad nauseum. Instead of hero worshiping the Einstein's, Pauling's, Hawking's, and other scientists of this world who have left a lasting good, we hero worship people who leave NO LASTING marks, like entertainers, sports figures, celebrities, and uber wealthy.
Thanks Fay. The reason many forget to worship the scientists you name is because their brains do not allow them to think positive thoughts about atheists.
While I am an atheist, I can assure you, some scientists firmly believe in their god and their religion. Don't classify all persons of science as being in agreement on all subjects. One of the tenets of science is, all theories are open to change as new evidence arrives.
Now I have to add just one more Neil deGrasse Tyson quote: "The problem in society is not kids not knowing science. The problem is adults not knowing science. They outnumber kids 5 to 1, they wield power, they write legislation. When you have scientifically illiterate adults, you have undermined the very fabric of what makes a nation wealthy and strong."
Love your response! As a science teacher (I hold a BA with double major biology and chemistry and MA in physiology) I believe it is criminal of our education system to pour more money into school sports (and I'm a lifelong football fan) than they do into core education. Part of the fault is the way we teach science - the easiest science for kids to learn is one they can instinctively understand. Physics. The most complex, most difficult to instinctively relate to is Biology, so what do we teach first? Biology naturally. And who teaches it? Physical Education majors, of course. A kindergarten child knows a toy car moves faster and further on a bare wood floor than on a carpet. (Friction) and the same car goes further and faster on an inclined plane. If you don't believe me, try it with a four year old. That's mechanical physics, folks.
I just watched it again, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Richarson does a great job of identifying the real problems we're up against, and the mindset of those who would destroy our democracy. You need to watch the whole segment.
I was a Californian when Regan sent many folks in mental health facilities onto the streets. In my mind he is mostly responsible for our nation's shameful homeless crisis.
I support publicly financed elections, shorter election period and equal free media access. If this were in place our elected officials could govern rather than dial for dollars.
I, too like the idea of publicly financed elections. I do believe though, that Republicans in their current love of lying and cheating would figure out a way around whatever was put in place to make elections fair.
Only, if we continue to let them get away with it. With Robert Reich's help, especially with Inequality Media, I think we're finally getting the community courage to stand and defend.
U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton, 514 U.S. 779 (1995), was a case in which the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that states cannot impose qualifications for prospective members of the U.S. Congress stricter than those specified in the Constitution. The decision invalidated the Congressional term limit provisions of 23 states. The parties to the case were U.S. Term Limits, a nonprofit advocacy group, and Arkansas politician Ray Thornton, among others.
YEA!!! This is exactly what we need. In the 1950's and 1960's when I first g=became involved i political campaigns electioneering started on Labor Day and ended on Election Day. There were even local laws that all campaign fliers, signs and billboards had to be removed no later than the day after the election.
Money to alleviate poverty: no. Money to alleviate child starvation: no. Money to help our most impoverished schools: no. Money for jobs programs: no. Affirmative Action: no. Reduce police brutality: no. Laws and funding to punish those who commit crimes that are more prevalent when the above conditions exist: YES!
I agree. I have friends who used to be registered as Republicans but have officially left the party. We should not call the remaining members Republicans. It is an entirely different party.
It's validiating to hear you tell the political story with observable facts described with clarity and context. Sadly, NYT and WaPo, network and cable news craft a narrative to serve their business interests. In the process, they warp public opinion.
I’d also like to point out: trump promised the moon and had no intentions of delivering. Kavanaugh blubbered and lied during his judicial hearings and the GOP laughed at how gullible Susan Collins was for believing his bs about abortion being settled law. No doubt Caruso is just another greedy conservative who knows he can only win in LA by pretending to be a Democrat, making insincere promises, and spending millions on attack ads. I sure hope the voters don’t fall for it!
I got the message below from my Son this a.m.. I concur. This country is a very very scary place right now, especially for people of color. Unfortunately, the Trump & Republican messages seem to be winning.
His message.
This country is definitely making me want to run away sometimes with all the mess. But as I tell my wife we can’t get too wrapped up in the news. We have to focus on real life and real people who are generally good . But it’s hard when you hear 2 grown ass white men in the jacuzzi talking about “the revolution coming and it will not be televised “. I kid you not…they were giggling and saying some other nonsense but these fools are emboldened. And that’s in liberal California. I can only imagine in Florida.
Apparently in CA yesterday (our primaries) only 18% of registered voters actually voted. Soooooo disappointing to think that that many people are so clueless about what is at stake or simply too lazy. Actually, not just disappointing. TERRIFYING.
I am not surprised at all. They can describe it however they like it I tend to fix it California voters overall, are sick and tired of homelessness, crime, inflation, taxes. I am a Democrat. Democrats need to wake up and pay attention. To me it’s the same as thinking you know your employees. I see what’s coming. People are sick and tired of nothing being done about it
If they are that sick of it, they should have done something about it by VOTING yesterday, when only 18% of us able to do so did.... and CA makes it super easy to vote! Mail in ballots auto provided to all voters. Tons of advance notice, reminders, early voting, etc. etc. etc.
Maybe true, but does anyone in their right mind think the GOP will do better? I mean, if you are a Democrat, are you okay with locking up or the busing out of state of the homeless? Crime went up during the trump years. Why is it higher now? Inflation is worldwide, and taxes are a part of living in a VERY civilized state. You don't have to stay here! I am always suspicious of people who have to say, "I'm a Democrat, but...."
Hi! I completely agree ! I am always wary when someone presents themselves as a Democrat and then says somethings that I don’t agree with or doesn’t fit my opinion.
We can have quite a discussion hear about what should be done regarding the homeless situation. Nothing that you described above , for sure. I’m also not sure about your statistics ! please double check! And absolutely the biggest turn off is when someone says you don’t have to stay here. That’s pretty scary right there
I have watched the news and seen LA police rounding up the homeless and disposing of their meager possessions. Although other states do so, I can’t verify that California sends our homeless out of state, but LA most certainly does send them out of the city. I live to the east of LA and have met some of these folks! Perhaps I generalized about crime rates under trump; I was actually referring to red state homicide rates, very easy to verify if you care to do so. Also, I did not mean to question your party affiliation; rather that of Mr. Caruso. I’m quite wary of wannabe oligarchs these days.
We are most definitely suffering from these things! How can there be any doubt whatsoever? The hatefulness in our society fueled by the words and actions of trump. The worldwide pandemic caused supply chain issues, massive unemployment, etc and the resulting inflation, also worldwide?
[sarcasm alert] Let's not bother with elections any more. Just have people donate to their favorite candidates, and at a certain date count the money. The candidate with the most money wins.
As a subscriber to the NYT, I'm not surprised by their reaction to the primaries, though I'm as angry as you. The Times has long been more terrified of progressives than they are of the MAGA Right. Through the years, their editorials chide Progressives for being too strident, too vocal, too loud - as though the Left were unruly children bent on wrecking their parents' dinner party. They are always WARNING the Left not to rock the boat or go too far. It's actually embarrassing.
They know where they stand with the Far Right. But the Left scares them to death. So their "stark warning to the Democratic Party" is just another day at the office.
I recall blaming the NYT for Gore's loss. Think about how much better shape we (and the planet) would be in if Gore had been President instead of W!
And it was confirmed he won the popular & electoral votes. This type of cheating only happens when Republicans do this to Democrats not visa versa.
Yes, I think of a world without Baby Bush being president. I guess the American people in the white states couldn't imagine the prosperity that was going on at the end of the Clinton administration continuing and the media helped them out with that one.
Yes, Ruth, and they (the myopic voters) got a self-fulfilling prophesy. I have to admit, though, that while I very much despised Dubya, I lay most of the blame on his string-puller Cheney. I can't help but wonder if his daughter isn't trying to atone for that a bit by her performance on the 1/6 Committee.
Agreed!!!
I agree, Gary D. Doris Austerberry
I'm with you Sidge! It's really becoming annoying to the point of reconsidering my financial support of the publication I've loved for years and many reasons. BUT like too many media outlets, NYT is prone to engagement-driven headlines to lock in eyeballs instead of assure the accuracy of information conveyed in context. Legit press keeps assertions for the ops page and out of the headlines!
You are absolutely correct, Sidge! With the change in how journalism is supported - no longer by general purpose advertising - the NYT has become as susceptible to clickbait needs as other media. A far cry from its tradition of journalistic excellence.
Caruso will condemn all the people without homes to be sent to live in excess private prison capacity, rather than support humane public housing assistance. Just like the Republican he actually is, he will support private industry over government support every time.
When Ronald Reagan closed all the mental health facilities years ago he failed to plan for the people he put on the street and the problem has only gotten worse with the increasing division between the rich and the poor.
It seems Saint Ronnie didn't plan for much. His poor foresight led to so many of the problems we have now. He was essentially a puppet for the forces who wanted to rework our economy to benefit only the white few. And, we are now experiencing the outcome of that poor economic planning. The media loved Reagan because he was photogenic, could read a script really well, and had survived a near-fatal shooting. That made him a hero like in the movies. He was not held accountable for Iran-Contra or pretty much anything including the deaths of the hundreds of Marines in Lebanon. Hillary was never forgiven for 4 deaths in Ben Gazi. The media paints its own pictures and expects us to visit them often in their museums.
Thank you, Ruth. My daughter once said the best thing Reagan did while President was to sleep through all the cabinet meetings.
I always felt that Reagan was a much better ACTOR as a President than he was as an actor in films.
I'm afraid I have to reference Neil deGrasse Tyson's observation again: "What are the lessons to be learned from this journey of the mind through the universe? That humans are emotionally fragile, perennially gullible, hopelessly ignorant masters of an insignificantly small speck in the cosmos. Have a nice day."
So very, very true...and yet so many among us imagine that humans ARE Masters of the Universe; that we are the ultimate achievement of evolution. What nonsense.
An Oscar to Ronnie for his performance a president. But he failed real presidential results....
Saint Ronnie wasn't actually President. He just played one on TV.
LOL!! For one thing, I will never forgive Ronald Reagan, in 1984, the United States was all set to convert to the Metric System of measurement. After all, every country in the world used the Metric System, except us and Liberia. I was a Science teacher at the time and could hardly wait for the switch. I had been hearing about this great change about to happen since college. Even the auto makers had tooled up for the change. Then, Dear Ronnie decided it was too complicated for his minuscule brain to understand, so, he ended it. So, here we remain the only, supposedly civilized country on Earth using an outdated, inaccurate, difficult to manipulate, system of measurement based on such logical things as the length of a certain English monarchs foot, and the length of a "man's thumb" from the knuckle to the joint.
Thank you Jean, for mentioning Ronnie Baby's closure of Mental Health facilities here in California. Many forget he 'governed' California before he became president of the US. What he said about closing mental health facilities was "Their families and Communities will take care of them". Like so many clueless republicans he was still living in the 19th century when folks lived on farms or in small communities and there were attic bedrooms where demented grandparents and loony cousins lived out their gloomy lives. Not only did the republicans not include sufficient local financial assistance in the budget to care for the newly released mentally ill, they also didn't enforce the tax laws. If you'll recall Ronald Reagan paid ZERO State or Federal Taxes during his tenure as Governor. A fact released by a female reporter for the Sacramento State College Hornet. I was a student at the time and remember the glee I felt when her story was picked up nationally.
Unfortunately, whatever Reagan did or didn't do during his political career mattered little. He was the symbol of something, a 19th century marshall or gunfighter. People with mental illness, whatever! His rich donors wanted institutions closed, so closed they were. That happened all over the country and only the folks completely unable to be put on the streets remained in the institutions. Those guys in charge like Reagan couldn't consider making the facilities more humane, positive, hopeful, and caring. They had and continue to have no vision, yet the media love them and citizens keep voting for them.the old west or
Ruth, did you see Heather Cox Richardson's history lesson on a segment of Amanpour & Co. discussing gun regulation (May 27, about 17 minutes)? It's a great reminder! https://www.pbs.org/wnet/amanpour-and-company/video/heather-cox-richardson-on-american-gun-culture/
Thank you Gary for that link. Professor Richardson succinctly and graciously explained what I have been saying since 1973. We, The majority of Citizens of the United States of America have allowed a minority of white "macho" males to dominate our culture. It's not just Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, it's the Clint Eastwood's, John Wayne's, Dirty Harry's, ad nauseum. Instead of hero worshiping the Einstein's, Pauling's, Hawking's, and other scientists of this world who have left a lasting good, we hero worship people who leave NO LASTING marks, like entertainers, sports figures, celebrities, and uber wealthy.
Thanks Fay. The reason many forget to worship the scientists you name is because their brains do not allow them to think positive thoughts about atheists.
While I am an atheist, I can assure you, some scientists firmly believe in their god and their religion. Don't classify all persons of science as being in agreement on all subjects. One of the tenets of science is, all theories are open to change as new evidence arrives.
Thanks, Fay, I agree completely!
Now I have to add just one more Neil deGrasse Tyson quote: "The problem in society is not kids not knowing science. The problem is adults not knowing science. They outnumber kids 5 to 1, they wield power, they write legislation. When you have scientifically illiterate adults, you have undermined the very fabric of what makes a nation wealthy and strong."
Love your response! As a science teacher (I hold a BA with double major biology and chemistry and MA in physiology) I believe it is criminal of our education system to pour more money into school sports (and I'm a lifelong football fan) than they do into core education. Part of the fault is the way we teach science - the easiest science for kids to learn is one they can instinctively understand. Physics. The most complex, most difficult to instinctively relate to is Biology, so what do we teach first? Biology naturally. And who teaches it? Physical Education majors, of course. A kindergarten child knows a toy car moves faster and further on a bare wood floor than on a carpet. (Friction) and the same car goes further and faster on an inclined plane. If you don't believe me, try it with a four year old. That's mechanical physics, folks.
BTW, Fay, I love the word "nauseum"... Multiple meanings here ... 😀
I just watched it again, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Richarson does a great job of identifying the real problems we're up against, and the mindset of those who would destroy our democracy. You need to watch the whole segment.
Yes, voting for paper dolls is easier than having to think.
I was a Californian when Regan sent many folks in mental health facilities onto the streets. In my mind he is mostly responsible for our nation's shameful homeless crisis.
Painful truth....
I support publicly financed elections, shorter election period and equal free media access. If this were in place our elected officials could govern rather than dial for dollars.
I've supported this idea for a long time but it's lonely here.
I, too like the idea of publicly financed elections. I do believe though, that Republicans in their current love of lying and cheating would figure out a way around whatever was put in place to make elections fair.
Only, if we continue to let them get away with it. With Robert Reich's help, especially with Inequality Media, I think we're finally getting the community courage to stand and defend.
I would add term limits to that proposal
I agree but the supreme court doesn't:
U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton, 514 U.S. 779 (1995), was a case in which the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that states cannot impose qualifications for prospective members of the U.S. Congress stricter than those specified in the Constitution. The decision invalidated the Congressional term limit provisions of 23 states. The parties to the case were U.S. Term Limits, a nonprofit advocacy group, and Arkansas politician Ray Thornton, among others.
YEA!!! This is exactly what we need. In the 1950's and 1960's when I first g=became involved i political campaigns electioneering started on Labor Day and ended on Election Day. There were even local laws that all campaign fliers, signs and billboards had to be removed no later than the day after the election.
Money should not dominate electoral politics, and turncoats should not be allowed to just change parties and use big money to manipulate outcomes.
Thank you very much for what you do! Yes, it's utter rubbish.
Money to alleviate poverty: no. Money to alleviate child starvation: no. Money to help our most impoverished schools: no. Money for jobs programs: no. Affirmative Action: no. Reduce police brutality: no. Laws and funding to punish those who commit crimes that are more prevalent when the above conditions exist: YES!
I think Republicans really, really like to lock up Black people. So much for their proclamations of "freedom."
It’s the old nazi ruse of create crime and come to the rescue as an anti crime candidate! My blood pressure is under control I swear!
Republicans are selfish and greedy.
I agree. I have friends who used to be registered as Republicans but have officially left the party. We should not call the remaining members Republicans. It is an entirely different party.
It's validiating to hear you tell the political story with observable facts described with clarity and context. Sadly, NYT and WaPo, network and cable news craft a narrative to serve their business interests. In the process, they warp public opinion.
I’d also like to point out: trump promised the moon and had no intentions of delivering. Kavanaugh blubbered and lied during his judicial hearings and the GOP laughed at how gullible Susan Collins was for believing his bs about abortion being settled law. No doubt Caruso is just another greedy conservative who knows he can only win in LA by pretending to be a Democrat, making insincere promises, and spending millions on attack ads. I sure hope the voters don’t fall for it!
I got the message below from my Son this a.m.. I concur. This country is a very very scary place right now, especially for people of color. Unfortunately, the Trump & Republican messages seem to be winning.
His message.
This country is definitely making me want to run away sometimes with all the mess. But as I tell my wife we can’t get too wrapped up in the news. We have to focus on real life and real people who are generally good . But it’s hard when you hear 2 grown ass white men in the jacuzzi talking about “the revolution coming and it will not be televised “. I kid you not…they were giggling and saying some other nonsense but these fools are emboldened. And that’s in liberal California. I can only imagine in Florida.
Thank you, for a sane voice amidst the hype.
Long time ago, a philosopher said: Passive people get the rulers they derve.”
That philosopher was right, apathy breeds authoritarianism, every time.
Apparently in CA yesterday (our primaries) only 18% of registered voters actually voted. Soooooo disappointing to think that that many people are so clueless about what is at stake or simply too lazy. Actually, not just disappointing. TERRIFYING.
Amazed at that 18% number! Scary as voting is our number one toll to have our voice hear. Shameful.
Yes - this is blood boiling stuff because the media plays a huge role in shaping public opinion - of course. So sick and tired of MM doing this.
I am not surprised at all. They can describe it however they like it I tend to fix it California voters overall, are sick and tired of homelessness, crime, inflation, taxes. I am a Democrat. Democrats need to wake up and pay attention. To me it’s the same as thinking you know your employees. I see what’s coming. People are sick and tired of nothing being done about it
If they are that sick of it, they should have done something about it by VOTING yesterday, when only 18% of us able to do so did.... and CA makes it super easy to vote! Mail in ballots auto provided to all voters. Tons of advance notice, reminders, early voting, etc. etc. etc.
Maybe true, but does anyone in their right mind think the GOP will do better? I mean, if you are a Democrat, are you okay with locking up or the busing out of state of the homeless? Crime went up during the trump years. Why is it higher now? Inflation is worldwide, and taxes are a part of living in a VERY civilized state. You don't have to stay here! I am always suspicious of people who have to say, "I'm a Democrat, but...."
Hi! I completely agree ! I am always wary when someone presents themselves as a Democrat and then says somethings that I don’t agree with or doesn’t fit my opinion.
We can have quite a discussion hear about what should be done regarding the homeless situation. Nothing that you described above , for sure. I’m also not sure about your statistics ! please double check! And absolutely the biggest turn off is when someone says you don’t have to stay here. That’s pretty scary right there
I have watched the news and seen LA police rounding up the homeless and disposing of their meager possessions. Although other states do so, I can’t verify that California sends our homeless out of state, but LA most certainly does send them out of the city. I live to the east of LA and have met some of these folks! Perhaps I generalized about crime rates under trump; I was actually referring to red state homicide rates, very easy to verify if you care to do so. Also, I did not mean to question your party affiliation; rather that of Mr. Caruso. I’m quite wary of wannabe oligarchs these days.
Reading back over my original comment, it does look bad. I didn’t mean to criticize you personally. My apologies.
Aren't we now suffering the effects of the trump presidency, the worldwide pandemic and inflation?
No. That is not accurate at all. And a very gross generalization without information
We are most definitely suffering from these things! How can there be any doubt whatsoever? The hatefulness in our society fueled by the words and actions of trump. The worldwide pandemic caused supply chain issues, massive unemployment, etc and the resulting inflation, also worldwide?
[sarcasm alert] Let's not bother with elections any more. Just have people donate to their favorite candidates, and at a certain date count the money. The candidate with the most money wins.
Or as I proposed yesterday, the one with the most (real) Twitter followers.