A split nation is one in need of healing.

Electoral Mismatch is a Signal
Why are we concerned about a sway of a percent or two of popular vote count in either direction?

Most votes cast were against someone rather than for someone. Either way, we are a tragically divided nation. We have a selection process that allows finding of consensus in times like these. We have not made good use of it. If we recognize that a mismatch between Electoral vote tallies and popular vote tallies is a clear indication of a precariously divided nation, we can resolve to make extraordinary attempts to bridge the political divide and find a consensus candidate when a mismatch occurs.

This would be what we would do if we understand the selection of President as an attempt to promote the national interest above any and all factional or party interests. This prospect would be more salient in our minds, and more manifest in reality, if we were to allocate Electoral votes by Congressional District rather than by State. Lively discussions could be had in many State Capitols when Electors meet, if people with different perspectives were coming together in State Capitols all across the nation. But just because what we have is not ideal does not mean we should not make the best possible use of our current situation.

Electors should reach across the political divide and find a consensus candidate.

Doris Kearns Goodwin for President Jon Stewart for President