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The graphic is trying to show the distribution of support for secession by state.

I'd say that a map is exactly the right way to present the data.

I think the gp is alluding to a cartogram-style map:

Exactly. A recent example I saw of this was the Princeton Election Consortium, http://election.princeton.edu/electoral-college-map/

This graphic doesn't take into account the gaming going on. I.e., people from other states wanting Texas to secede.