comment: >
  
  Social systems theory of development and scaffolding theory suggests that we adopt the values of the people around us. Education is a 2nd tier of proximal development, so while not as influential has our caregivers and family, I could totally see how what type of education are person recieves effects their cultural and political values, thus political beliefs.
context: Both you and the person that you answered are spot on. And thanks to you both for linking the demographic research that is most relevant. >
  
  So the Republicans are becoming the party of the people in the flyover states. The Democrats the urban intellectual elites? Like Hunger Games?
  There are many more cultural differences I would also consider. >
  
  Most of that empty space is deserts, farmland owned by corporations, cattle grazing ranges, mountains, national and state parks and government property.
  But it sure looks like a whole lot of "red" on the map, doesn't it?
  It's not half the population. It's 15% of the population. >
  
  Actually, it's 17.9% considered rural. The total population of red or flyover states is higher. But I couldn't find an exact number. But it is close to 50%. >
  
  Statistics are a wonderful thing. And those are interesting. 158 million votes were cast in that election. Biden received 51.3% and Trump 46.8%. 46.8% is pretty damn close to 50%. You can parse all the different demographics until you're blue in the face. But the simple fact is that close to 50% of voters supported Trump. Are you suggesting rural votes count more? That only red states have Republican voters? What exactly is your point? >
  
  Sparsely populated states have an anti-democratic leverage over the majority. That's my point. >
  
  No, they don't. Are you referring to the abolishment of the Senate nonsense? Or the electoral college? The electoral college represented by state per population.