At least not according to political analyst Stuart Rothenberg,
who argues that the Democratic shift in the
Interior West is overhyped. He points out that despite a general
Republican tilt, Democratic candidates have enjoyed a number of
electoral victories there over the last three decades. Focusing on
the past two election cycles gives you misleading picture.
Generally true. Yet it does seem that the Democrats have tested
a systematic political model, combining aspects of centrism and
economic populism, that can frequently yield electoral victories in
this region. This model has become more politically relevant in a
country with a 50-50 divide. There’s a case to be made that
Democratic victories are less candidate-driven out West than in
1984. But it will take another couple of election cycles to
determine how durable this shift really is.