If you told someone in 1996 that WV will become Solid R and VA will be Lean D...

[DPKdebator]

...what would they say the national map will look like?

I'd vouch for this:

Someone from 1996 would probably say that the Democrats become more Southern, while the Republicans become more Northern/Midwestern.

[Anzeigenhauptmeister]

Before or after the 1996 election?

[DPKdebator]

Before or after the 1996 election?

I'd say after the 1996 election (hence why I made AZ a tossup).

[DPKdebator]

No takers?

[America's Sweetheart ❤/𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖙𝖞 𝖂𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖎𝖔𝖗]

No takers?

Your map would basically be what I'd imagine if someone had told me in 1996 that West Virginia would be Solid R and Virginia would be Lean D, ignoring the fact that I was 2 years old in 1996, of course.