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rurallib

(63,159 posts)
4. We are not all red out here
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 10:41 AM
Oct 2016

Eastern Iowa is quite blue.
Actually let me rephrase that and say what small urban areas Iowa has are blue. Most of those are in the eastern part of the state

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
8. Thank you for that info, rurallib. I know there are pockets of blue, but Iowa is predominantly red.
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 11:06 AM
Oct 2016

Hopefully, those in the red parts of Iowa will put country above Party and vote Democratic this November - and prove those pollsters wrong.

We'll see.

rurallib

(63,159 posts)
9. I hope, but our media out here really sucks big time
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 11:08 AM
Oct 2016

my hearts greatest desire is to see Grassley put on the shelf.

rurallib

(63,159 posts)
11. I know, but Braley seemed like his natural replacement and that really hit a wall
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 11:13 AM
Oct 2016

and Iowans voted for a programmed Koch-bot.

Sure do miss Tom.

rurallib

(63,159 posts)
5. It is killing me also.
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 10:48 AM
Oct 2016

Iowa has really changed from the place I grew up in.
We are not the curious, friendly, educated place it once was.

Seems as our population has aged - and we are one of the oldest populations around - and the advent of Fox News we have seen Iowans become more and more rigid in their political beliefs.

The reincarnation of Branstad has been horrible and little more than a tea bag tool. Yet he continues to get high ratings. Ernst is a wholly owned subsidiary of Koch Enterprises. Grassley does fucking nothing at all. King, Young and Blum are total fringe baggers. I can't believe extremists like this would have had a chance 25 years ago.

exboyfil

(17,984 posts)
6. It is lots of middle aged people as well
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 10:52 AM
Oct 2016

I work with them. They have become remarkably silent about the election after Trump's flame out, but I know they still will vote for him.

I am hoping we have a shot at Blum. Grassley appears out of reach.

King is one of the worst Representatives in the House. I haven't been in western Iowa much, but I can't imagine what it is like. Blum at least tries to talk a good game. I am convinced King has his Klan robe neatly pressed in his closet.

rurallib

(63,159 posts)
7. Totally agree with the middle aged folks
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 11:02 AM
Oct 2016

While Iowa's unemployment numbers are good, wages are far from good on average. "Right to work for less" and Republicans war on unions has turned Iowa into a low wage state with all the attendant problems for workers.

Republicans have been masterful in turning blame for this on Democrats with a major assist from Iowa's media.

We took a vacation about 25 years ago that included a spin through western Iowa. We stopped to eat and really felt uncomfortable. When we cane out I told my wife I feel like we went through some time barrier and entered the 1950s. Have had no desire to go back there.

Sure am hoping Mike Gronstal comes through OK - Iowa needs him badly.

IADEMO2004

(5,862 posts)
13. Eat at my house next time You're in the west. The one with the Obama sticker on the front door.
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 12:45 PM
Oct 2016

Depot Deli in Shenandoah is a good pick for micro-brew and food.

slumcamper

(1,715 posts)
14. Double Rainbow!
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 01:10 PM
Oct 2016

Enjoyed overnighting in Shenandoah during RAGBRAI, especially the short rain and the intense double rainbow that appeared and lasted for 20 minutes over the banner stretched across the street: "PEACE. LOVE. RIDE."

progressoid

(50,734 posts)
17. I agree. It's definitely not the place I remember.
Wed Oct 19, 2016, 08:49 PM
Oct 2016

As someone who grew up in the red side of the State, I was always aware of the crazy right wingers. But seems to have festered and grown dramatically in recent years. It's f...ing awful.

emmadoggy

(2,142 posts)
18. Another depressed Iowan here.
Sat Nov 5, 2016, 02:10 PM
Nov 2016

The numbers are so embarrassing. I'm in the NE corner and regularly get into MN and WI, too. All I see around here are Trump signs everywhere. Very few Clinton signs. It's fucking depressing and shameful.

I just keep thinking, "WTF is wrong with Iowa?!" We've gone blue many times, but why now, with the worst ever candidate on the R ticket, are we swinging that way?? I can't wrap my brain around it.

We didn't put up any signs this year because it causes a lot of problems for my husband at his work. UGH.

We SOOOO wish we could live in a blue area!

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Iowa»iowa #'s are killing me.