Polarization and American Geography
By 
For some reason I’m fascinated by this recent survey of people’s perception of states. I’m not surprised that the most popular state among Republicans is Florida — the number of people with money who voluntarily choose to live in a state whose only decentish urban area will be underwater in 20 years is one of the issues on which I feel most alienated from the typical American — but the 12 point margin over the runner-up surprised me a little.
The top 10 among Republicans: FL, AZ, AK, KY, TX, MT, GA, SC, NE, NC. The choices do improve considerably after #1, some nice states there. Of course, there’s an inherent problem in ranking states as opposed to regions within states — I’d be happy to be assigned to KY if I could live in Lexington or Louisville, otherwise rather massively less so.
The top 10 among Democrats is, of course, a much stronger list: HI, CA, OR, VA, CO, NY, WA, PA, VT, NH. Mostly nice and nothing awful although not sure how New Hampshire made the top 10.
Underwater among both Republicans and Dems: OH, IN, WI, LA, ID, ND, plus DC. A little unfair to Wisconsin granting that it’s no longer a democracy. Also a little surprised by Idaho, which offers a nice little city for liberals in Boisie and hardcore wingnuttery in a beautiful setting up north — seems like many worse places. I don’t actually think Ohio is literally bottom 6 either, but its presence is sort of obligatory for cultural reasons.
Five biggest partisan gaps on states Republicans prefer: KY, AL, MS, OK, FL
Five biggest partisan gaps the other way: CA, OR, WA, NY, HI (plus DC.) Hey, if you want to convince yourself that Oklahoma is nicer than any of those states it’s your funeral.