Then came 2000 when Bush turned a 15-point Republican deficit in 1996 into a five-point advantage over Al Gore. John Kerry lost the state in 2004 by 13 points. In presidential contests, West Virginia has gone from solid blue to solid red in just two election cycles.
Beyond the narrow explanations of coal policy and fear of environmental regulations, the West Virginians - like Americans in other red states - bought into the pervasive Republican messaging that George W. Bush represented fundamental American values while Al Gore and John Kerry didn't.
So, to be competitive again, the Democrats must both articulate how they - not Bush and his neoconservative allies - stand for the basic principles of an American democratic Republic, with its "unalienable rights," rule of law, and reliance on reason over ideology.
If Democrats can explain to the American people how Bush has abused these principles, other details of the Democratic agenda - from wise use of the environment and balanced budgets, to protecting the common welfare and civil liberties - would no longer be viewed as narrow appeals, but part of a comprehensive plan for a stronger and healthier nation.
Until the Democrats figure this out and can get their message out, they will face uphill battles against better-organized and better-funded Republicans. So, while Republicans may appear down today, the Democrats still have their work cut out for them.
Beyond the narrow explanations of coal policy and fear of environmental regulations, the West Virginians - like Americans in other red states - bought into the pervasive Republican messaging that George W. Bush represented fundamental American values while Al Gore and John Kerry didn't.
So, to be competitive again, the Democrats must both articulate how they - not Bush and his neoconservative allies - stand for the basic principles of an American democratic Republic, with its "unalienable rights," rule of law, and reliance on reason over ideology.
If Democrats can explain to the American people how Bush has abused these principles, other details of the Democratic agenda - from wise use of the environment and balanced budgets, to protecting the common welfare and civil liberties - would no longer be viewed as narrow appeals, but part of a comprehensive plan for a stronger and healthier nation.
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