SC in red & blue

[The_sandlapper]

interesting map and article of counties supporting republicans & democrats and the "swing" counties in the state.

As no surprise, much of the upstate are republican supporters, and much of the midlands excluding Lexington, and Aiken counties, are deomocratic supporters.

Charleston surprisingly is a swing county! I figured for sure it would be republican?

South Carolina in red & blue

Swing counties again hold the key to this year

[Spartan]

I actually thought that Charleston was democratic. I was suprised by that too. I would like to see it broken down by Strong Dem, Leaning Dem, swing, Leaning Rep, and Strong Rep. I think those kind of maps more accurately show how the state splits up. What you also have to consider is that the state doesnt have any sort of electoral college, so each vote goes towards the total, regardless of what the majority of your county votes.

[waccamatt]

Alot of people think Charleston is the most liberal area of South Carolina, but IMO, that honor most definitely goes to the city of Columbia and Richland County.

[vicupstate]

Charleston is Republican but much more independent-minded than the large upstate counties like Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg. At the local level the GOP is dominant in Charleston. 3 of 4 state senators, most state reps and county councilmen are all GOP. Charleston will bolt from the GOP when the Democrat is a strong contender. Democrat Governor Jim Hodges won it it '98. Democrat Inez Tenenbaum won Charleston by a few hundred votes in '04, while the rest of the GOP -leaning areas were much stronger for DeMint.

By contrast, Richland County was very strong for Tenanbaum, and I think it even voted for Kerry.

[goodbye]

I must say that I am very surprised to see so much of the rural areas in the state are more Democratic (Liberal) than Republican (Conservative). I would be fascinated to know what issues most important to them. Obviously, here in the Upstate, faith, family, and moral values are the clear issues of greatest importance (overall). What would someone say are the most important issues to those living in the Midlands?

[The_sandlapper]

I must say that I am very surprised to see so much of the rural areas in the state are more Democratic (Liberal) than Republican (Conservative).

[The_sandlapper]

Here's a map showing the results of the 2004 election by county. It's alot more comforting for me to see that a good bit of the country is purple. In SC of course Greenville County is in the red, Richland County (Columbia) is blue, and I was surprised to see Charleston County purple. So I guess the southern coastal area really is less conservative than I thought?

[Larryfla]

Most southern whites vote republican because they don't see the Democrats as being a serious/viable political party anymore. I live in the south and have many friends that are from the north and south. However, they all vote republican since they are mostly veterans, are responsible people that are well educated and have worked hard to place themselves into respectable jobs, believe in not letting the government control their lives (anti-socialist), and feel that the USA has the right to say 'screw you Europe' if they don't support us after saving most of their butts a couple of times over the last century. We also support the death penalty for proven murderers and don't give a crap about torturing the Iraqi prisoners that have dedicated their sorry lives to destroying the U.S. On the other hand, we have no animosity towards gays and actually have one that is part of our 'Party on Friday nights' group. We don't really care about the abortion issue, and I could not even tell you if any of my friends go to church or not because we don't care. Some of us are actually registered independents that would never be part of a party that looks at Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson as anything other than idiots. Nor, would we be part of a political party that belittles their own country in the eyes of the enemy and would rather defy the President than agree with him even when he is right. We also feel that we should be out of Iraq. Not because of any moral issues but just because we feel that our soldiers are dying for people that basically hate us and don't want us there. We also feel that there does need to be changes in the health care system in this country, whereas a young person laid off of work or trying to get an education shouldn't be burdened with the high cost of hospitilization insurance, yet we don't submit to socialized medicine since we are well traveled and know how bad it can be. Are we different from those of you that think the Red is a plague? I know that the Reps. have fanatics but I don't personally know of any and would ignore them even if I did.

I know that most blacks support the democratic party which I don't quite understand. I don't think that they are so different on issues than us "Red" people. I think that this whole red/blue thing is idiotic. I get tired of being stereotyped as a gay basher, religious right winger, just because I am not a Democrat. Personally, I see the Democrats as very ignorant in their prospectives of other people. They seem to defy the premise of being a free nation to vote for whomever one chooses. And, they seem to forget that the corporate heads and lieutenants that have build our cities are mostly republicans that have worked their asses off to get where they are. Anyway, before anyone stereotypes a red city or county as being backward or whatever stigma is bestowed, remember that we are not all as we are pictured by the hateful individuals in the blue.

[goodbye]

One thing I will not tolerate is intolerance, there is absolutely no excuse for it!

I've heard that before. "Intolerant of Intolerance." Sorry that I don't understand that philosophy, because basically it seems that you would get rid of those who don't agree with you. I think that even the most liberal politician in this state would have a hard time surviving on that political stance.

I appreciate the map! Thanks for sharing your perspective. That is what makes this country so great; Tolerance of everyones beliefs, and the right to freely share those without persecution. Go USA!!!!!

[The_sandlapper]

^Basically it just means that if you are the type of individual that alienates and persecutes others b/c they don't agree with you, or do what you do then I would not hang out with you. And yes I'm aware that it is a paradoxical statement b/c not tolerating those who are intolerating is not tolerating to begin with. So when I run for governer my motto will be "tolerance and acceptance of everyone"!

[goodbye]

Excellent! You've made your initial statement much stronger with your response. I can say that I totally agree now.

[The_sandlapper]

I know what you mean about being stereotyped! I get it alot because I tend to lean toward the "blue", and I'm a non-white individual. Most of my friends are well educated, have traveled extensively, are responsible citizens, own a business, or have respectable jobs, and have worked very hard for what we have as well. Our hearts don't bleed, we don't hug trees, have long hair, oppose Christianity (b/c most of us are Christian), sing "Puff the majic dragon", or grow daisy's. Our take on the "red" has always been that it is a group does not acknowledge that change needs to be made. Kind of a "we like things the way they are", type of mentality. So it's hard to support a group that doesn't acknowldege that a problem exist, you know, "don't worry about it give us your money and we will take care of it". We acknowledge that not everyone in the "red" is evil. I actually thought McCain would have made an excellent leader it's obvious the man has character. It's tough to support someone who got everything from hanging on daddy's coat-tail? But that's what is great about America you have the freedom to support or not support a candidate without being persecuted or stoned. Obviously not all countries have that. My friends and I do think that we need to get out of Iraq because we are not supported or wanted there, and it's niaeve (I guess that's how you spell it?) for us to believe that we are spending billions of dollars for another countries "freedom" without us getting something in return, but that's a different issue all together. The world just doesn't work that way. Anyway I agree I think both blue and red are very ignorant of the others perspective and both sides have a good deal they can learn about each other! Hopefully one day we will all see purple?!

[goodbye]

Purple is beautiful! Red and blue are what is dividing our country more each year. I can say the same for black and white. What good does it do to continue speaking of a person by announcing his/her skin color? I say forget that and speak of everyone as another person, not black, not white.

[Larryfla]

Sandlapper, we're close enough in philosophy that we could probably go out and have drinks and a good time. But, I disagree with you on the McCain choice as a viable candidate. What bothers me about him, and I am no prude, is that his poor wife waited faithfully for him for 6 years while he was a POW and he left her for a 21 year old upon his return. To me, that says something about his character. One can't allow one's dick to run one' s life.

[waccamatt]

By contrast, Richland County was very strong for Tenanbaum, and I think it even voted for Kerry.

Actually, Kerry won Richland County by more than 20,000 votes and Inez by even more than that. Richland county is very different from any other county in South Carolina; an urban, very educated populace that tends to vote Democratic. In many ways Richland County is an aberration in South Carolina. That being said, I love my home county and its politics.

[Larryfla]

I don't quite understand the correlation with being educated and voting for Kerry? I am very educated as are my friends. Seems here in Florida his votes were from transplants from New England and African Americans. I am certain that Richmond County is no more educated than my city. Bush won big here.

[goodbye]

I agree! Being educated has got nothing to do with voting Democratic. If so, then I'd have to say that something is desperately wrong with our educational system (well actually I already do, but thats another issue altogether ).

[BrandonTO416]

This thread is one big reminder of why I don't like the south. At least it isn't Utah.

[Larryfla]

That would be a typical, senseless reason not to like the south.

[BrandonTO416]

LOL, I grew up here Larry. I didn't tell you why I hate the south. My statement was so general and vague your response doesn't make sense.

The southeastern US is just a generally crapty area in so many ways.

[goodbye]

The southeastern US is just a generally crapty area in so many ways.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Because that statement is so ambiguous and lacks any grounds, I believe it should not belong in this forum. In case you haven't noticed, the topic is intended to promote intelligent discussion about political issues of importance in the state of SC, and doesn't allow room for bashing of any city, state, or region in the U.S. If anyone disagrees and has no interest in this topic, he or she should not clutter the board with such posting as it is both unwanted and leads to awkwardly dissentious behavior. Thank you!

[Larryfla]

Because that statement is so ambiguous and lacks any grounds, I believe it should not belong in this forum.

[Larryfla]

Hey Chump, it was you that specifically said. "This thread is one big reason I don't like the south. " How bad is your memory.  Besides, most reasonable, ordinary, prudent people that are not satisfied with a place take the sensible route. They move.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Skyliner, Sorry, this message was meant for Heckles. I was on the phone and copied down the wrong quote. I totally agree with your statement.

[BrandonTO416]

Moving is easier said then done. And as intellectual as your discussions have become, I can't upgrade my thoughts to call you chump. I guess I'll stay in the gutter by voicing opinion without getting personal.

Larry, your conservative ideology is so fair, pro-freedom, and perfect I cannot imagine how wonderful you really are. Its such a noble effort filled with such good old people. Afterall, the Democrats aren't really a viable party anymore. A matter of fact I think its all fiction to be honest. Jesse Jackson controls the entire party, in fact I think Kerry was his puppet! Republicans would NEVER have such intolerant bigots as the leader. Jerry Falwell and Ann Coulter actually aren't Republicans at all, are they? We Republicans are such noble folk. How dare those evil blue Democrats cross us! This is our homeland! VIVA SOUTH!

I'll let the southern pride parade continue. You won't be hearing from me anymore. Pat yourself on the back one more time, you're perfect guys.

And for those of you who are blind to the realities of the south, good luck. I've been trying to leave all my life. Spending two months driving around from city to city at the end of 2004 looking for a job didn't work for me yet. Maybe 2005 will be my year.

[Larryfla]

Heckles, you really haven't been anywhere have you? And, again you are wrong. I tend to support many issues that ultra conservatives do not support. I have seen your postings in the past and you are just an annoying person. If you are like this in real life, I would imagine the only significant other in your life is your computer. A true sign of ignorance is trying to picture me when you haven't a clue of who I am, what I do, or my political views. I just think that it was ignorant for someone to say that they didn't like the south because of threads like this. And, I do not wish to continue discussions with you. I really think that you are well below my level, and therefore I would just be spinning my wheels. After you next nasty response, don't expect me to respond.