Map of Unemployment

U.S. BLS ^ | October 22, 2004 | U.S. BLS

[Redmen4ever]

The link is to a gif map of Unemployment Rates by states.

[Redmen4ever]

Brown states versus Yellow states. Differences in unemployment rates can explain why some states tilt to the President (relative to their 2000 vote), and others to Kerry. Brown states, like Ohio, have a higher rate of unemployment than the nationwide average, and would be explected to shift a bit toward the Democrat column. Thus, in Ohio, a Brown State, which Bush carried by 3.6 percent four years ago, the race is very tight this year. Conversely, in Florida, an Orange State, which Bush carried by just a handful of votes four years ago, Bush is maybe slightly ahead. Here's what I'm trying to say: It is understandable that we're having a bit of difficulty in nailing down Ohio. We absolutely have to get out the vote in this state. Plus, we have to get out the vote in Florida, Iowa and Wisconsin, and in Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico and New Hampshire, which are our second and third lines of defense (as well as our main offensive thrusts).

Another thing: There are very few if any polls in the Yellow States of Delaware and Hawaii because they're not considered to be Battleground States in the Presidential contest, and they don't have competitive races for Senator or Governor. Yet, because of the strong economies in these states Kerry's "lead" in these states may not be very solid.

Yet another thing: Look at the color of Alaska (brown). If you're wondering why Linda Murkowski isn't stomping on her Democratic rival in this very Republican state, here's your answer. Linda was, indeed, appointed by her Daddy. But she won our party's nomination for election in her own name, fair and square in the primary. She was a fine state Senator before her appointment, and is needed to get our Supreme Court nominees approved, and to open ANWR to development. Just as Arnold! is going to help Bush across the finish line in Ohio, I am hoping that Senator McCain will find it in his heart to go to Alaska, and help his fellow Senator and our fellow Republican.

[alwaysconservative]

Is there a way to view the picture in a better size? I can't make out the numbers, and the whole map is fuzzy. (Warning: I am NOT the most technologically-talented FReeper, so please use simple words and instructions, lol!)

[Prime Choice]

$10 says the dark brown states go to Kerry and everything else goes to Bush.

It's just so odd that the media keeps harping on unemployment when the unemployment rate right now (5.4%) is lower than it was during the Clinton "economic boom" of 1996 (5.6%).

[Vision]

I'm assuming darker colors mean more unemployment

[gitmo]

SC will go Bush.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Why didn't you simply post the image directly in the thread?

[What-to-do]

I would be curious to find a map of the states broken down by presidential support, overlay it and see if the two have any pattern.

[Diddle E. Squat]

$10 says the dark brown states go to Kerry and everything else goes to Bush.

Never bet money with a stupid statement. I'll take you up on that, being quite confident that Mississippi and S. Carolina will vote for Bush. Get your wallet ready...

[SERKIT]

If Illinois' Governor is anti-business and drove companies into the dirt, this is the President's fault? Oh, I forgot, it's raining today and THAT TOO to Bush's fault....

[SERKIT]

If Illinois' Governor is anti-business and drove companies into the dirt, this is the President's fault? Oh, I forgot, it's raining today and THAT TOO to Bush's fault....

[alwaysconservative]

Gif-challenged FReepers everywhere thank you!

[johniegrad]

The striking thing about the map is that the numbers overall look very good. With the exception of a few areas, employment is at least as good as under Clinton and in many places it is better. Amazing how the media can spin an item like this.

[calenel]

Here's a bigger one for us high res folks:

[Redmen4ever]

"Other things equal," the dark states would indeed go to Kerry. But, people vote on the basis of many factors in addition to local economic factors. Consider Mississippi and South Carolina, which are very Republican in Presidential races. This year, they might not be as Republican as they have been in the past due to local economic conditions. Nevertheless, it is a safe bet that they will wind up in the GOP column.

[alwaysconservative]

Now, Alaska would have significantly lower unemployment if they would JUST DRILL ANWR! And that would "reduce our dependence on foreign oil", as the Dims are always saying we have to do. That issue should probably squeak it out for Lisa Murkowski. Isn't Knowles against drilling ANWR?

And I don't see SC or Mississippi going for sKerry either, despite their brown colors. After all, the likelihood of (yellow) Hawaii going President Bush is extremely small. The yellow upper Great Plains is almost a lock for the President, however. This map is interesting, but not a completely accurate predictor of electoral choices because it is a one-issue factor.

[McGavin999]

Interesting. The way that California is weeping and moaning I would have thought they would be a brown state. Things must be looking up there, but the libs won't let the word out.

[Prime Choice]

SC will go Bush.

I'm hoping that's true for Ohio, too. But whereever there's appreciable unemployment, the sheeple tend to fall for the bogus "entitlement" crap of the Democrat party.

[Prime Choice]

Why didn't you simply post the image directly in the thread?

The site that hosted the image didn't allow direct linking. I had to snag a copy and put it on the SCB server.

[TC Rider]

No way will Miss and SC go to Kerry.