The Midwest states or the states of the Boston-DC corridor, or the gulf coast states are all similarly large economic blocks. The "muh fifth largest economy" t

The Midwest states or the states of the Boston-DC corridor, or the gulf coast states are all similarly large economic blocks. The "muh fifth largest economy" trope is just a reflection of state borders that really have little impact at the federal political level. Furthermore, CA stands of a lot of stuff a lot of people hate. Indiana and Ohio will gladly put aside their hatred for each other if CA is trying to screw them both.