NON-BIASED DEFINTION: In recent years, in the U.S. only, a red state has come to mean a state that traditionally votes Republican, as opposed to a blue state which traditionally votes Democrat.
In the past, media would use maps with red for one party and blue for the other, with no set standard. The current trend was set during the 2000 Presidential election, when NBC used it. The race was very close, and because of this, Tim Russert was often heard to say things like "Bush needs x more red states in order to win, and Gore needs x more blue states in order to win." Because the coverage was being watched so intently by so many people, the color scheme stuck, and is now used by all networks.
What many people don't realize is that this color scheme is actually the opposite of traditional political colors. Red has always been associated with socialism and communism (i.e. extreme forms of liberalism) as seen on flags of countries such as the P.R.C., the U.S.S.R., and the D.P.R.K. On the other hand, blue is most often associated with conservatism, and sometimes facism (i.e. the extreme form of conservatism). Most nations still use this color scheme.
It may be that NBC assigned these colors at random, or it may be because Republican and red both start with R. Neither party has officially adopted these colors. This color scheme has often led to confusion when residents of other countries see a political map of the U.S. or hear Americans discussing red states versus blue states.
In the past, media would use maps with red for one party and blue for the other, with no set standard. The current trend was set during the 2000 Presidential election, when NBC used it. The race was very close, and because of this, Tim Russert was often heard to say things like "Bush needs x more red states in order to win, and Gore needs x more blue states in order to win." Because the coverage was being watched so intently by so many people, the color scheme stuck, and is now used by all networks.
What many people don't realize is that this color scheme is actually the opposite of traditional political colors. Red has always been associated with socialism and communism (i.e. extreme forms of liberalism) as seen on flags of countries such as the P.R.C., the U.S.S.R., and the D.P.R.K. On the other hand, blue is most often associated with conservatism, and sometimes facism (i.e. the extreme form of conservatism). Most nations still use this color scheme.
It may be that NBC assigned these colors at random, or it may be because Republican and red both start with R. Neither party has officially adopted these colors. This color scheme has often led to confusion when residents of other countries see a political map of the U.S. or hear Americans discussing red states versus blue states.
When I hear the term "red state" I automatically think of China or North Korea, not Texas or Utah. It's such a pet peeve that the U.S. got red state and blue state backwards!
by klopek007 November 11, 2009
To give a REAL definition and not bash the right for a change of pace, this is the term given to states during elections that have more Republican votes than Democratic votes.
by Mike! March 30, 2005
A state that has proven to be solidly Republican in voting for the President of the United States.
Typically conservative and rural in nature, not necessarily a new Republican stronghold.
Antonym: Blue State
Typically conservative and rural in nature, not necessarily a new Republican stronghold.
Antonym: Blue State
Wyoming and Alabama are the reddest of the red states.
You can't even associate with an Atheist or a Liberal if you wish to win in a Red States.
You can't even associate with an Atheist or a Liberal if you wish to win in a Red States.
by Paul W-S December 30, 2004
A blue state where enough of the population has been disenfranchised by the New Jim Crow as to hand power to a tyrannical oligarchy known as the Republican Party.
by Queen Buttrix January 23, 2021
States in which large segments of its citizens walk around with their heads up their asses, pulling them out only long enough to burn a cross or make a bigoted statement. Usually vote Republican, even though their populations are comprised largely of individuals living near or below the poverty line and thus unlikely to be favored by Republican tax and fiscal policies.
It would be wonderful if we could get from New York to California without having to cross through any red states.
by MRT2 September 25, 2006
States full of people who voted for G.W. Bush (a.k.a. the first herald of the apocalypse). The majority of people in these states have forgotten that this country was founded on the separation of CHURCH AND STATE and put a coked up jesus freak in office because "he prays" and he talks about jesus alot.
by The Dark Lord of Bass October 11, 2005
A state that has recently gone Republican and is shown on the political maps as red; oppisite of bicoastal and blue state.
by Cornholio October 30, 2003