Can states that haven't gone Republican since 1988 be considered "swing states"?

[Del Tachi]

States like PA, OR, WI, and MI could go for a Republican in the right circumstances, but these aren't the states that decide the Presidency - at least, not yet

[Never]

States like PA, OR, WI, and MI could go for a Republican in the right circumstances, but these aren't the states that decide the Presidency - at least, not yet

If the Western swing states (CO,NV) stay Democratic, I wouldn't be surprised to see Pennsylvania tip the balance as early as 2016.

[Mister Mets]

States like PA, OR, WI, and MI could go for a Republican in the right circumstances, but these aren't the states that decide the Presidency - at least, not yet

In 2012, there was a 0.02% difference between Colorado (the tipping point state) and Pennsylvania, so PA is pretty close to deciding the presidency.

Wisconsin was close enough that a two point boost could make it the tipping point state. And there's a non-trivial chance that the Republicans will nominate Ryan or Walker for President.

There's also a non-trivial chance that Democrats will nominate someone from Colorado on the ticket. Which could make that state slightly more favorable to the party than currently.

[politicallefty]

Not really, which is why "battleground states" is a more appropriate term.

Those are my exact thoughts as well. You have to differentiate between "swing state" and "battleground state". With that terminology, a state like Minnesota is most certainly not a swing state, but it does fit the general criteria for being a battleground state in most years. A state should actually have to swing for it to be considered a swing state.