I wouldn't get too bent out of shape over a few rural counties. Yes, I'd rather win them, but there aren't a lot of votes there.
It's sort of disheartening, though. These people voted Democratic over and over and over - until Obama was the nominee, going against the national trend. The conclusion we are forced to draw from that is just downright unpleasant.
Of course I suppose it's no different than rural counties which never voted for the Democrats in the first place, and remained as such in 2008.
I totally agree with your second paragraph. While what you described in your first paragraph certainly is disturbing, but given the choice between a racist who otherwise supports Democratic policies vs. a racist who supports Republican policies, I'd choose the former.
