I personally like the system.

Who ever said no is a retard. If we didn't have the electoral college, Michael Bloomburg would become the most powerful person in the world.

I'd prefer election by popular vote, since we've faced problems with the electoral college in the past.

For example, in 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes won the election despite losing the popular vote. In fact, Rutherford's opponent won 51.5 percent of the popular vote, while Hayes won only 47.5. This goes against the core of a democracy. It's as if the popular vote means absolutely nothing.

But think about the Electoral College in the context of the United States. We're a Union of states which would otherwise be independent countries. The Union is intended to represent the interests of ALL the states. If popular vote were used to determine the presidency, then 9 states could elect the president for the other 41, and that certainly isn't fair.

You didn't even mention Bush/Gore. I'm surprised.

51% can easily oppress the 49% Mr. Grim. Checks and balances sah. Checks and balances. Course, we could do things with a monarchy if you wanted too.