Liz Mair filling in for Andrew Sullivan writes that she agrees with much of what I say but disputes my definition of “Red State”- contending it is incorrect to label Montana (with a Democratic Governor and Senators), Arkansas and Colorado as still Red. As of late these states have still voted Republican (with the exception of Arkansas for Clinton) in presidential races. Despite recent losses I would contend, as I’ve written previously, that Colorado in registration and politics remains Red. I think her argument is strongest with regard to Montana. Perhaps “states with lots of conservative people who care a lot about national security” would better than “Red.” Let me put it this way: Democratic Senators with lots of conservatives in their states were troubled about voting against a measure like the amendment to FISA; Democrats in safe Blue states were perfectly comfortable doing so. Democratic presidential candidates from Blue states who thought there would be time to put this vote behind them if they got the Democratic presidential nomination voted no.