[richlevy]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

You have a major logical flaw, here. "Most" Americans feel the way you do, except of course for the ones who don't, who already proved themselves to be a majority of the population in an election?

Technically, neither candidate won with a 'majority of the population' or even a majority of people who voted. The both got under %50. This was why Bush's 'mandate' comments were so ironic.

I'd be curious to see what the totals would be if they held the election today with the same candidates.

But it really does come down to a degree of separation of an individuals specific practices from his or her job a servant of the public.

Nixon was a Quaker but he did not disband the Army.

If a Jewish president were elected, would he have the right to tell the USDA to no longer inspect pork products?

If a Jehovah's witness were elected, would he have the right to tell the CDC and FDA to discontinue support for blood services and products made from human blood?

The problem is that if the president and a significant number of members of Congress feel that they need a certain amount of support from a vocal minority, and can give them that support without alienating an equal number of people who would otherwise support them, than they will do so.