Is That Democrats’ Sense of Patriotism Talking? Or Their Self-Interest? [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] Since Starbucks’ Howard Schultz announced on 60 Minutes last Sunday that he may run...Read More
Goring BOTH Parties’ Oxes: Why 2016 May Be the Year Americans Use “Ranked Choice Voting”** to Elect the President There were no computers (and ranked choice voting) when Woodrow Wilson was elected in 1912, but if there had been, runner-up Teddy Roosevelt would likely have been chosen President instead. After all, a majority of voters...Read More
Behind the Scenes at the Oscars “There are about 1,100 actors in the Academy, by far its largest branch. Naturally, they don’t all have the same opinion. Some responded more to “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Dallas Buyers Club” or “Nebraska,” all best picture nominees as well. Marking those or the other contenders ” “Her,”...Read More
Minneapolis Mayoral Race 2013 As the saying goes, “close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades and slow dancing.” To those three, now add a fourth: so-called “ranked choice voting” — also known as “instant run-off voting” — which is how Minneapolis will select its next Mayor this Tuesday. I happen to be a HUGE proponent...Read More
Dayton – Emmer Recount Twice in two years, Minnesota is mired in what could be a messy, protracted statewide election recount. It didn’t have to be this way. “Instant run-off voting” — also known as “ranked-choice voting” — would have resolved the gubernatorial race by Wednesday morning. No expensive legal challenges. No cross-allegations of balloting...Read More
Taking Away the “Spoiler Factor”“Ranked Choice” voting, which I strongly support (“Ranked Choice Voice: Cure for What Ails Us?”), picked up a big endorsement today: from NYT columnist Thomas Friedman. Here’s Friedman’s case for what he calls “alternative voting” (also referred to as “instant run-off voting”): One reason independent, third-party, centrist candidates can’t get elected...Read More
