Why did Iowa flip?

[Angel of Death]

I've always wondered this, but this question becomes especially pertinent with Iowa's current reputation as being particularly anti-war.

[I left.]

I've always wondered this, but this question becomes especially pertinent with Iowa's current reputation as being particularly anti-war.

Perhaps John Kerry was just a poor candidate for that area of the country. Look at the neighboring states, like Missouri, Illinois. Kerry also lost a couple of points there compared to 2000.

[Stranger in a strange land]

Evangelical turnout was way up compared to 2000, probably enough to flip a state like Iowa.

[I left.]

Evangelical turnout was way up compared to 2000, probably enough to flip a state like Iowa.

considering the average swing in the area, wouldn't it be more surprising if Iowa hadn't flipped?

[War on Want]

Bush was a rural candidate that appealed to lots of of protestants in the western part of the state. Kerry did not have that appeal with the catholics in the eastern part of the state and thus Bush won.

[Vasall des Midas]

It swung below the national average. Non-question.

[Derek]

Iowa is as purple as it gets and has been since 2000. Clinton and Dukakis won there by moderate margins. Before that it was Republican.

[bgwah]

ethanol

[Sasquatch]

It swung below the national average. Non-question.

[sg0508]

Turnout simply got Bush over the top.  IT was simply turnout of conservatives.  It could have gone either way.

[Bo]

Because Iowa was extremely narrow in 2000 and the country became more Republican in 2004, thus allowing Iowa to flip.

[phk]

Because of the margin in Sioux County, IA.

[Jensen]

General swing to the right nationwide.

[Derek]

Iowa is one of the closest states in recent elections. Yes it went for Obama by 10 but Obama also won the election by 7. Bush did a little bit better so there were a couple states that flipped his way. Iowa has only been far left one time and that was in 1988. Before that it usually went Republican too. Clinton and Gore won by small margins. I expect Iowa to switch back in 2012 if things continue to go bad for Obama. Oh and in Iowa 17 year olds are allowed to strip because stripping is considered an art form. How do you all feel about this?

[Χahar]

Iowa versus the national average:

1960: R +13
1964: D+1
1968: R +11
1972: D +6
1976: R +3
1980: R +3
1984: D +11
1988: D +17
1992: D +1
1996: D +1
2000: R +1
2004: D +1
2008: D +3

[Vasall des Midas]

Oh and in Iowa 17 year olds are allowed to strip because stripping is considered an art form. How do you all feel about this?

Approve.