1996 question

[Frozen Sky Ever Why]

Could Clinton have won Oklahoma in 1996 if he had tried?  He received 40%, 1% down from Dukakis, but he's done better than any Democrat since then. He was crushed among white males by about 58-28, but the white female vote was 46-44 in favor of Dole. Could a better turnout have given him a chance?

[Antonio the Sixth]

I think Oklahoma is definitely a safe republican state, since about 1980, even a good candidat with southern appeal like Clinton had no chance to win it.

[Frozen Sky Ever Why]

TX, MS & SC are pretty viciously Republican. I just can't imagine a democrat being able to crack 50.1% in there. I figured Oklahoma was more of an upper/border south state, I know there's a large Christian population there, but he still won appalachia both times. 

The only reason (and I know most will find this idiotic) that the dems did so well in WV is because of the low church attendance compared to the rest of the south. The religious right wasn't making a connection.

[tmthforu94]

TX, MS & SC are pretty viciously Republican. I just can't imagine a democrat being able to crack 50.1% in there. I figured Oklahoma was more of an upper/border south state, I know there's a large Christian population there, but he still won appalachia both times. 

The only reason (and I know most will find this idiotic) that the dems did so well in WV is because of the low church attendance compared to the rest of the south. The religious right wasn't making a connection.

Due to Ross Perot, you didn't need 50.1% to win in those states.

[Rob]

No, Oklahoma was safe for Dole regardless of events.

[Frozen Sky Ever Why]

I know that, I was assuming that he was not in it and it was a normal election.

[WalterMitty]

No, Oklahoma was safe for Dole regardless of events.

^^^

i still wonder if he could have won kansas in 92 had he tried.

[Frozen Sky Ever Why]

Dukakis reached 43% in KS, Clinton was at 34%. He had a five point difference with Bush, and he probably could have made it up. However, he was viewed as a liar and sketchy to the more anti-establishment types out there, so maybe not. WY has similiar results, I think that would have been easier. Clinton did campaign in WY in 92 though.