Red, Blue State Divide Based on False Assumptions?

CHICAGO, Dec. 6, 2004 — -- The 2004 presidential election results map proved to be a stark visual of "red" and "blue" America -- red for the Republicans, blue for the Democrats. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry won states largely on the West Coast and in the Northeast, while President Bush won states mainly in the Midwest and South. Following Election Day, much has been made of that which divides -- and unites -- the two Americas.

For instance, Evanston, Ill. -- a mostly urban, medium-sized city in Cook County -- is as "blue" a region of the country as one can find. The smaller city of Wheaton, in neighboring Dupage County, is heavily suburbanized and deeply "red."

Conservatives in Wheaton heatedly reject the caricature of themselves as religious zealots.

"I think they see us all as far-right Christian conservatives," said Wheaton resident Pam Mitroff.

Her friend Lori Carlson added, ""I think they have this concept that we all carry our Bibles wherever we go."

Some of Wheaton's residents are quick to draw an unflattering portrait of their "blue" neighbors one hour away. The "blue staters" are pushy, they said, with a social agenda that includes gay marriage.

"I think they want to push us in that direction, and some of us don't want to be pushed in that direction," said Leonard Sanchez.

The war in Iraq was also a defining issue.

"I think the perception is that the Democratic Party is not quote patriotic," Sanchez said.

The conservatives interviewed for this report believe they were vindicated by the results of the presidential election, and they say it's time those in the blue states accepted it.

"President Bush won. He is our president. He has that word 'mandate' because he won decisively," Mitroff said.

The group in Wheaton talked perfunctorily about reaching out to Democrats. But in "blue" Evanston, Kerry voters said they would approach such a gesture with caution.

"I find myself less willing, less interested in building close relationships with people who have dramatically different political views," said Democrat Amy Teschner.