The early expectation for the Electoral College was that a State Capitol would have people gathering from around the state, from different Congressional districts AND different political factions, and if there was a mismatch between popular and electoral counts, that would indicate a close election and divided nation (or divided State).
In that context (where Electoral votes were assigned according to who won the vote in each Congressional District), a gathering of Colleagues that has people from both sides of the political divide would be discussing the situation. When people from different viewpoints discuss, there is more chance of creative solutions emerging.
Now imagine that one of the candidates the Electoral Colleagues are considering is a bombastic rabble-rouser who exploits prejudice and xenophobia. The people, the Colleagues, who were chosen for their wisdom and ability to reflect and put national interest first (we hope) would be able to transcend their party affiliations and do what is right for the nation.
By preventing a demagogue from gaining the highest office and turning the nation down a path of authoritarian cronyism, Electoral Colleagues can help preserve the form of government that is responsive to the people AND well administered. (Federalist #68)
We should tell Electoral Colleagues to seek a consensus candidate.
The purpose of the Electoral College is to prevent a demagogue from gaining power
#JonStewartForPresident
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