Look at that map, circa 1988. What are the standouts?
First, obviously Cali, which was a solid Union state heavily invested in the defense industry. Defense industry dried up in the early 90s and the Hispanic population exploded.
Next Michigan and PA.......both of whom could seriously go GOP in 2012. Ohio? It’s the swing state it always has been. West Virginy has swung solid Red since then. Iowa and Wisconsin are now swing states.
Forget ever seeing the country that red again.