[Travis McGee]

Without the EC, candidates would just focus on NY, CA, TX, FL and a handful of coastal mega states. Soon, the fedgov representing these mega states would carve up the "hinterland" into a series of virtual colonies.

Of course, the NYT would love this outcome.

The founding fathers were brilliant.

[Outlaw76]

In the end, candidates would promise - and deliver, the moon to no more than 10 counties nationwide.
I'd have to guess the number would be closer to 5. For the entire nation. If you could win them complete by promising whatever they want, you win.

Imagine that new Jacuzzi you can't afford being granted for medicinal purposes... hard thing for voters to ignore.

[R. Scott]

Without the EC, candidates would just focus on NY, CA, TX, FL and a handful of coastal mega states.

A very good point.