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How Michigan explains American politics

Vox・14 minutes read

Michigan's blue wall was broken in 2016 when Donald Trump won the state, but Democrats regained control in 2022, passing progressive legislation and winning all branches of government due to changes in voting patterns and redistricting.

Insights

  • The "blue wall," consisting of 18 states and Washington, DC, historically voted Democrat for president since 1992 until Donald Trump broke it in 2016 by winning Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
  • Michigan, a part of the blue wall, experienced significant political shifts post-2016, electing a Democrat governor in 2018, witnessing Democrats winning all branches of state government in 2022, and enacting progressive policies like repealing right-to-work laws and investing in clean energy.

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Recent questions

  • What is the blue wall in US politics?

    A: The blue wall refers to states consistently voting Democrat.

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Summary

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Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

  • Recipe for classic spaghetti carbonara
  • Ingredients: spaghetti, eggs, pancetta, Parmesan cheese, black pepper
  • Cook spaghetti until al dente
  • Fry pancetta until crispy
  • Whisk eggs with Parmesan cheese and black pepper
  • Drain spaghetti and mix with pancetta
  • Add egg mixture and toss until creamy
  • Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper

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Michigan's Blue Wall: A Political Evolution

  • 18 states and Washington, DC formed the "blue wall," consistently voting Democrat for president since 1992.
  • In 2016, Donald Trump broke the blue wall by winning Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
  • Michigan, part of the blue wall, had a Republican governor and legislature by 2016.
  • Michigan elected a Democrat governor in 2018 and voted for Joe Biden in 2020.
  • In 2022, Democrats won all elected branches of Michigan's state government for the first time in 40 years.
  • Michigan's new blue government repealed right-to-work laws, expanded anti-discrimination laws, and invested in clean energy.
  • Redistricting in 2012 favored Republicans in Michigan, allowing them to win more seats despite not winning the majority vote.
  • Michigan voted for Trump in 2016 by a slim margin of 0.23%, breaking the blue wall.
  • Macomb County, traditionally Democratic, shifted dramatically towards Trump in 2016 due to his focus on trade and manufacturing.
  • Detroit, a heavily Democratic city, saw decreased turnout in 2016, impacting the state's election outcome.
  • White women in Michigan shifted towards Democrats after 2016, influencing election results.
  • In 2022, Michigan Democrats won 51% of the vote for state representatives under new district lines set by an independent commission.
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