You know what I don't get?

[Celeborn Skywalker]

Why do all the poor (red) states go to Republicans and the rich (blue) states go to the Democrats? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

There has got to be some way to get these poor people in the red states to realize that the Republican party is truly not looking out for them and never will.

IMHO, the best way to do this would be a return to populism and emphasizing economic justice such as universal health-care, minimum wage, etc.

Comments?

[fujiyama]

1. Education levels

THat's the major difference.

Usually those that are more educated tend to be more liberal and tolerant. Also wedge issues are more effective with those in the south.

[mairceridwen]

2. race

I think plays a factor for some people, either consciously or unconsciously. That is, poor whites will still identify with the group whose values they don't feel excluded from--and I think that democrats represent for them ideals/policy that excludes them (i.e. affirmative action).

Then, regardless of race, a lot of poor people still believe in the kind of hard-work/bootstrap mentality and feel that the democrats represent a lazy, hand-out, socialist type government.

[IrateCitizen]

3. Most Blue States are still largely red, by counties

The divide of which you are speaking is not one of states, but rather one of rural vs. urban. I live in NY state, a solid "blue" state -- but when I look at the county-by-county map of the election, the only real blue spots are in the NY metro area, Albany and Buffalo. The vast majority of the map is pretty solidly red.

Ditto with PA, where I used to live. The whole state is red with the exception of the Phila area, Pittsburgh, and a blip for Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Yet, this state is considered "blue".

If you look at GA, I'm sure you'll see a blue section for Atlanta, and red throughout the rest.

Of course, the reasons for this divide have been explored ad nauseum, so I'd rather not get into those here.

[bossfish]

7. Quit looking at those damn county maps...

...that is some really misleading bullshit.

[JaneDoughnut]

4. Read the "Vortex of Paradox"

See the article they had on the DU homepage yesterday - it addresses exactly what you asked, though it's just one theory among many.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/articles/04/11/16_vortex.html

But yeah, the college educated and those in urban centers do seem to be the most predictably democratic. It made me wonder if the most productive charities we could give to are those that provide college scholarships and assistance. An education is the gift that keeps on giving.

[JitterbugPerfume]

5. the great divide is

the ability to do critical thinking


back to edumacatshun

[immoderate]

6. Another read...

"What Happened to Kansas?" by Thomas Frank.

Explains how people whom you would think would be Dem are fooled.

One thesis: Your life is miserable? It's the liberals doing it to you.

--IMM