This last diary in the 2008 Electorate series has bits and pieces that I didn't develop into full diaries, mainly maps from the exit polls. Below you'll find a bit about Democratic loyalty, education gaps in voting behavior, and where rural voters liked Democrats.
It turns out there's still Dixiecrats hanging about in the South - not so many now, but they're there, concentrated in the Old South and extending parts of the Upland South as well:
Meanwhile, party loyalty generally increased among Democrats in the West, Upper Midwest, Northeast, and New South:
Click to enlarge. Town and Country
The story of the urban/rural divide this year was actually the suburbs, where Obama basically tied McCain. Rural voters are not as skewed as is typically thought, voting Democratic in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest and West.
Click to enlarge.
Town and Gown
In education, we saw the Republicans lose the most educated vote as they became the party of ignorance, anti-science, and Sarah Palin. Although there is the glaring exception of the rice belt.
Click to enlarge.
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This diary is the last in a series taking a close look at the 2008 electorate and exploring three themes: diversity within demographics, progressive feedback loops, and demographic change. One final diary summarizing the series may be forthcoming next week.
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