Could the Rust Belt become the New South?

[Nym90]

Considering these states are if anything moving toward the Democrats, no, I don't think so. Much of the blame for the economic decline of these regions is still placed squarely on the Republicans, a phenomenon that doesn't exist in the South.

[Nym90]

Many parts of Michigan are doing just fine as well, actually. The state's economy, while bad, is not nearly as bad as portrayed, at least relative to other states. It's mostly metro Detroit that's been hit really badly by the combination of the housing crisis and slumping automobile industry.