Reply #20: From my observations [View All]

[AliceWonderland]

It seems like the myth that the Republican party is libertarian in its values is a problem. It's hard to make generalizations, but I've noticed there is a Western, libertarian-leaning theme at least in Colorado. There's also a theme of not wanting to be dictated to by Washington or the coasts in general -- not in a hick way, but in a "don't step on my toes" way. The most successful conversations I've had with Republican types I've met (and I hardly ever meet any in Boulder; it's more left than NYC was in my experience) is to point out how interventionist, corrupt, and liberty-despising that party is.

More populist Democratic candidates might also have more of a chance in the West -- and the embattled sections of the Midwest, for that matter.