Prof. Hayes Discusses the US Election Process at BAU

The panel on the American Electoral System and the 2012 Election Campaign, organized by the Bahçeşehir University Center for American Studies on 1 October 2012, was held at the Beşiktaş campus. At the panel, featuring Prof. Danny Hayes of George Washington University as speaker, key indicators and the historical background of elections in the US were discussed.

The effects on the presidential race of what are called the 3 Ps of American elections, Prosperity, Presidential Approval and Polarization , were addressed. Romney's performance against Obama in the polls was examined on a monthly basis. The characteristics and advantages of presidents re-elected for a second term were explained. The reasons for and possible consequences of Romney's choice of Ryan as his vice-presidential running mate were examined. American voters' preferences and behavior patterns were also discussed.

Detailed information was given about the Electoral College system, and the panel discussed what the American Founding Fathers intended in introducing this system and how present-day conditions affect it. The influence of the states on the Senate and why a change in the system seems very difficult were also among the topics discussed.