Final answer:
The concern about the popular vote relates to differences between the Electoral College and popular vote methods in United States presidential elections. Solutions to reform the Electoral College include shifting to a proportional system or replacing it with the popular vote, but debates about direct democracy and the founders' intent make this a contentious issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
We are afraid of the popular vote because our solution is considered controversial or unpopular among the broader electorate. This feeling can arise due to the systematic differences between the Electoral College and the popular vote. One potential solution to the frustrations with the Electoral College is to replace it completely with the popular vote, which totals the votes from all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
An alternative proposed solution is to make the Electoral College proportional to the popular vote percentage in each state, instead of the current winner-take-all method. However, democracy is sometimes oversimplified as 'Majority rule', when in reality, voting may not show true majority preferences, especially with multiple choices available.
The founders of the American political system had fears about direct democracy, leading them to implement the Electoral College as a safeguard against popular will. This system has been criticized for depressing voter turnout and failing to reflect the popular will, highlighting that electoral reform is a subject of active debate. Moreover, the current system often leads to a two-party system and strategic voting, which may not align with voters' true preferences.