So what made a sizeable number of rural counties in the mid-west with strong German ancestry swing to Obama in 2008, and swing back even more heavily to the Republicans in 2012?
Then why did German areas around here keep trending to Obama?
Midwesterners of German ancestry are stereotypically traditionally Republican pacifistic fiscal conservatives. Obama overperformed among such types very significantly with his promise to end the war in Iraq, but it seems logical such areas would not approve of his healthcare plan whatsoever, and moreover would be more attracted by a 'businessman' like Romney than a 'experienced politician' like McCain. So it seems logical such areas would swing back to the GOP.
Which German areas 'around here' are you referring to, Bandit? If true, it would be an interesting exception to the rule.
Indiana is also a special case, as Obama poured a s**tload of money into that state in 2008 while McCain ignored it, but then it was ignored by both campaigns in 2012. So, due to factors of campaign strategy, it swung heavily D in 2008 then just as heavily back R in 2012.
