This is a twist on the standard county-level electoral map, done by a professor at Princeton. The problem with those "sea of red" maps is that they convey the idea that the "red states" are 100% pro-Bush, when in fact that's just an artifact of the electoral college system (nor are the "blue states" typically 100% pro-Kerry). We all know this intuitively, but there wasn't a really good graphic that showed it. Well, no longer.

 

This map actually conveys the county-by-county vote using shades, from blue to red, indicating percentages.

 

http://www.princeton.edu/~rvdb/JAVA/election2004/

 

It sure gives a much different perspective, doesn't it?

Yes, this is why, at the very least, electoral votes should be cast on a county basis. The country is more diverse than the sea of red. If Bush had lost Ohio, some would be debating the problems with the electoral system. We have already had one election screwed up(2000) it needs to be fixed.

speaking of ohio, did anybody hear about bush receiving like 36000 votes in one county where about 3600 people were registered to vote?

Haven't heard it. You would think the media and the DNC would be all over that one if it were true.

One of the Sunday morning pundits (I think on Meet the Press) suggested that the president appoint Tom Daschle as co-head of a bipartisan investigation into reforming the election process nation-wide. Sounded like a good idea to me.

One of the Sunday morning pundits (I think on Meet the Press) suggested that the president appoint Tom Daschle as co-head of a bipartisan investigation into reforming the election process nation-wide. Sounded like a good idea to me.

Pangloss, how can you use "Tom Daschle" and "bipartisan" in the same sentence?

This map actually conveys the county-by-county vote using shades' date=' from blue to red, indicating percentages.

http://www.princeton.edu/~rvdb/JAVA/election2004/

It sure gives a much different perspective, doesn't it?[/quote']

Interesting map. But those that want to abandon the electoral process and go with the popular vote system, the map would look like this....

 

[edit] Look at Pennsylvania, which Kerry won handily, by taking Philadelphia, Pittsbourgh and Scranton/Wilkes-barre.

 

I posted these URLs on a more political board I was on, and someone posted the following URL:

 

County-by-county map adjusted so the size of the county reflects the population

I posted these URLs on a more political board I was on' date=' and someone posted the following URL:

 

County-by-county map adjusted so the size of the county reflects the population

The cartograms are an interesting projection. Thanks for posting.