Missouri indeed had the reputation of being a bellwether, but I also think it's a bit overstated, because since LBJ, only 2 Democrats have won it: Carter (who is Democrat from the South) in 1976 and Bill Clinton who also was from Arkansas, a neighbouring state and with Ross Perot had a unique dynamic in having a succesful third party candidacy on the ballot.
It was definitely already toss-up/tilt R for Hillary Clinton and Lean R for Obama. Because the environment nationwide was so D, Obama almost won it, just like he came very close in Montana and outright won Indiana.
Yes, racism probably did play a role and if Obama was white, he would've probably won MO and came much closer in several other southern states. But stating that Hillary would've easily won it, is an exaggeration too because misogynism is a phenomen that also exists. Remember that Bill Clinton's popularity in Arkansas in part took once a hit exactly because of her.
He accused the first lady of being too independent and chastised her for not taking her husband's last name.
The loss of incumbent Bill Clinton in 1980 was in part also because of her.
