In all other connections, the US is considered one entity.  We don't
have separate air forces by state to keep other 'rogue ' states
in line for instance.

Every where in the world the person with most votes wins.  Indeed
before this election everyone agreed that the electoral system
was an anachronism.  It was in fact set in place to guarantee that
democracy didn't get out of hand.  But with modern bribery the
rich see that it isn't needed.
w