Will the Democratic candidate win without Ohio

[Pennsylvania Deplorable]

If the democrat wins a close election, yes. A democrat landslide would still go through Ohio, but they don't need it. Logically, PA, MI, and WI flip back before Ohio does, and probably NC, FL, and even GA too depending on the candidate and how far into the future we're talking about.

Republicans need Ohio. I think it will continue to trend their way. FL is the real bellwether. Maybe PA will be soon enough.