There is a mechanism for changing the Constitution. So, good luck, Mr. New York Times!
Of the G7, large economically developed countries, exactly 1 (one) directly elects it's Head of State -- France! (So does Mexico.) Let's be more like France and Mexico? Tough sell.
Then the same logic applies to change in the Constitution
I.E You would change the Constitution by popular vote too and not by vote of the states
It's a slippery slope... because the vast majority of the physical country would be ruled by a few dictatorial Urban centers.... and you know that's exactly what the left wants
The rest of the country would rebel in short order into a civil war
Far better to let the few high population concentration Urban centers leave before we give them any power over the rest of the country
The irony is slavery argument really also applies to the urban centers
High concentrations of people in certain Urban areas that are nothing but vassals of a few Elites. because of the high population it gives them extra weight in ruling the country