Could West Virginia be Trump's best state against Hillary?

[Kingpoleon]

No, OK or AL will be.

[Devils30]

AL won't because blacks give Dems a floor of 37-38%

[Bandit3 the Worker]

I actually expect Utah and Idaho to gradually shift towards Dems.

I think it'll happen quickly. Non-Mormons there are already very, very heavily Democratic.

I guess the area could become more Democratic than rural Appalachia.

[ElectionsGuy]

It has the ability to be, not likely though. More likely Wyoming (since Utah hates Trump).

I actually expect Utah and Idaho to gradually shift towards Dems.

I think it'll happen quickly. Non-Mormons there are already very, very heavily Democratic.

I guess the area could become more Democratic than rural Appalachia.

I don't know about Utah, but non-Mormons in Idaho certainly don't vote "very" Democratic, just look at the panhandle and the Boise area. Mormons have large families and lots of kids, so don't expect that percentage of Mormons to go down anytime soon.

[DINGO Joe]

It's still quite amazing how in just a couple of cycles West Virginia went from a Democratic stronghold into one of the GOP's best states.

It is, and one of a few places where I actually cheer their downfall. I'm still puzzled as to exactly what Democrats have done to improve that state, either at the state or federal level. They had chances and if they actually cared, it should have been one of the first things to be addressed in 2006 - 2010 in Congress.

However, not to say I think Republicans will be better. I think they'll ultimately be even worse given their unwavering commitment to (some) failed economic policies. Democrats need to kiss ass and earn their power back at this point.

Honestly, I'm puzzled as to what can be done to improve that state(except the East panhandle which is doing fine).  Many people ended up in geographically difficult locales chasing resources that are not played out and have been superseded by cheaper places to find coal and natural gas.  In 1950 it was the 3rd youngest state and now it's 3rd oldest (and not healthy wealthy old like Florida).  It has the highest disability rate of any state.  Highest drug overdose rate of any state.  It's roads, utilities, housing are all substandard and difficult to maintain thanks to the terrain and lack of funds.  The only positive is that fewer people live there.

Coal isn't coming back and until the populace can accept that there really isn't any chance of moving forward.  The recent Orion poll did ask if they thought coal would improve after Obama left office and by 44-43 they said no.  Once that is about 80-20 then WV might be able to start recreating itself, but even then they ain't go no money.

[Xing]

If Trump slips a bit in UT, it'll probably be WY or OK.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

Appalachia's future is in solar and wind power.

[DINGO Joe]

Appalachia's future is in solar and wind power.

While there would be some karmic justice if mountain top removal sites were converted to solar or wind, you'll probably have a problem convincing the local populace until all the coal jobs are gone. 

Rooftop solar would be difficult because most housing is located in narrow valleys with restricted sunlight.  Wind is possible along the ridges, but roads to such locations don't always exist and can be prohibitive to build.

Seriously though, the mountain top removal sites are probably the best locations for solar and wind by far.

[Darthpi – Anti-Florida Activist]

It has the ability to be, not likely though. More likely Wyoming (since Utah hates Trump).

I actually expect Utah and Idaho to gradually shift towards Dems.

I think it'll happen quickly. Non-Mormons there are already very, very heavily Democratic.

I guess the area could become more Democratic than rural Appalachia.

I don't know about Utah, but non-Mormons in Idaho certainly don't vote "very" Democratic, just look at the panhandle and the Boise area. Mormons have large families and lots of kids, so don't expect that percentage of Mormons to go down anytime soon.

I remember reading a story back in 2008/2009 that if the non-Mormon population of Utah were their own state, it probably would have been Obama's second-best state behind Hawaii.

[Suburbia]

I think Manchin could help Hillary a bit in WV.

[IceSpear]

I think Manchin could help Hillary a bit in WV.

Manchin is either going to retire or get Blanched.

[TDAS04]

It could be, but I think it will be Oklahoma or Wyoming.