Letter to the editor: Breaking down the Electoral College possibilities

There are 538 votes in the Electoral College for president, with 270 required for winning. In 2020, Joe Biden received 306 votes to Donald Trump’s 232. In 2016, Trump reversed that outcome, receiving 306 votes to Clinton’s 232. In 2008, Obama received 365 votes to McCain’s 175. A political landslide is when the winner receives 58%, or 312 or more votes. Since Obama received more than 312 votes, his victory would be considered a landslide.

The most important current battleground states are as follows: Pennsylvania (20), Michigan (16), Wisconsin (10), Georgia (16), Arizona (11) and Nevada (6). Kamala Harris could lose the three “southern” states — Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, and still win with 273 votes, as long as she retains the three “northern” states — Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

In 2024, North Carolina (15) has become the seventh battleground state. A Democrat has not won North Carolina since Obama did in 2008. If Harris wins North Carolina, she could also lose either Michigan or Wisconsin, but not Pennsylvania, and still win. If she loses Pennsylvania but still keeps Michigan and Wisconsin, she would have only 268 votes, and lose. Do the math.

If Trump loses, I’m guessing his Rikers Island orange jumpsuit size would be 44XL. In my opinion, he doesn’t give a rat’s butt for you, the country or the Constitution. His only concern is for his own narcissistic self-interest, and the only reason he is running for president is to obtain a Get Out of Jail Free card.

Lawrence Josephs

Penn Township, Westmoreland County