We are not a democracy, but a representative republic. It is why we have the bi-cameral Congress - the several states are BOTH equal and distinct. The candidates can't just be coastal hangers on. The last time I saw California had 55, Wyoming had only 3. That is 55 votes Clinton did NOT have to work for. The Tenth Amendment meant something at one time, but due to the inordinate power of the Federal Gov't, it has very little anymore.