Nope...gotta correct you on that.In November 51 "local" elections (50 states and DC) will take place.In practical terms it would be stupid for the Former Twelfth Lady to think she can carry Texas and it would be just stupid for Trump to think he can carry California (or Massachusetts).New Hampshire just *might* be a different story.
You're looking at this like the Lions' coaches would...the correct way is to see it as Belichick would.
As for Bill Belichick, he never looks past any team. No matter who the Patriots are playing, Belichick has them prepared to play. Belichick's goal is to be 16-0 every season. He would never write off six games and hope to run the table with the other ten to make the playoffs. That's kind of what you are saying: "Let's write off a bunch of states and hope that we win in all the others."