How Are Presidents Elected?

The President of the United States is arguably the most high profile head of state, and not an easy job to win. But what does it actually take to get to the White House? How is it possible for someone to lose the national vote and still win the election? And how is it that America's democratically elected Presidents can be as divisive as Donald Trump, or as scandalous as Richard Nixon?

In this episode, we take a closer look at the election process - how it works, who can run, and why certain people seem to find it much easier to win, as we answer the question... how are Presidents elected?

Joining in from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

We’re also joined by Jon Sopel, the former BBC North America Editor and author of three books about the Trump presidency, including the bestseller ‘If Only They Didn’t Speak English’. He has been at the forefront of BBC coverage of the last five presidential elections, and he now hosts daily podcast ‘The News Agents’ and spin-off show 'The News Agents USA' akongside Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall.

Additional resources:

BOOK: If Only They Didn’t Speak English by Jon Sopel

PODCAST: Presidential

PODCAST: Wicked Games

WEBSITE: The Living Room Candidate

If you enjoy this, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

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