Red State/Blue State

[PurpleChez]

I've had this on my mind since at least the 2004 campaign:

It's become almost cliche to talk about "Red States" and "Blue States," with Red meaning Republican and Blue meaning Democrat.

But didn't it used to be the other way around?

I'd swear that, when I was a kid and a budding Dem (late 70s, early 80s), on the electoral maps red meant Democrat. In fact, I recall Nancy Reagan (shudder) explaining that she wore a blue dress to one of Ronnie's inaugural balls in honor of the blue maps that represented his landslide election.

I've not heard one mention (outside of my own head) that the Red/Blue division used to be the other way around. Any comments?

[rinsd]

1. You are right. Red and Blue were changed during the 2000 election.(nt)

[TallahasseeGrannie]

2. I found this link

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=415905

[trotsky]

3. There is a system.

The color representing the incumbent party alternates every election.

Bush 1992 (R - incumbent) was blue, challenger (Clinton) was Red.
Clinton 1996 (D - incumbent) was red, challenger was blue (Dole)
Gore 2000 (D - incumbent party) was blue, challenger was red (Bush)
Bush 2004 (R - incumbent) was red, challenger blue.

[PurpleChez]

5. Well, don't that beat all?

I am a news junkie and I'd NEVER heard that. Totally interesting. Thanks!!

[Kazak]

4. I always thought...

"red" meant "commie"... :shrug: