The arguments presented in this editorial seem to just appeal to emotional rhetoric of quotes instead of showing a valid failure of the system. Fundamentally, the author fails to understand that our system of government is based upon the values of liberal republic, NOT a pluralistic democracy. On a minor point, the consideration of slavery into the system was absolutely negliglent in the creation of the electoral college, but only important in the consideration of assigning the number of representatives from each state. Do your homework a little better next time. Canidates wouldn't step foot in Maine if popular vote were used.
Democracy is no synonym for freedom.
The majority should never be able to infringe on the rights of others just because there are more of them. This is why small gov't is better than large. With a popular vote, every election would be fought over as Florida is, with a lot more corruption to boot. The expenses of electoral college vs. popular voting and all the concomitant legal battles also has to be considered. Another thing for us Marylanders to remember is that maybe we don't want to be completely governed by Californians, New Yorkers, Texans, and Floridians as would happen if we go to popular vote.