comment: >
  
  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.
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.