People seem to think Michigan is all industrial and blue. This isn't the case

[MichMan]

16. Good analysis for the most part.

I lived in the Metro Detroit suburbs for half my life and moved to a rural part of the state 23 yrs ago.

I agree with a lot of this; there is a wide chasm between the larger urban areas and the rural areas. Detroit features Democrats only, there are no Republicans even running. The opposite is true in my county. Therefore in the local elections, there is only one candidate on the ballot.

For the most part, the state always goes for the Democratic candidate for President and Democratic Senators. The Governor is limited to two terms, so that can shift back and forth. Usually the same party does not hold the Governor for more than 8 yrs.

I think the reason Hillary lost was due to an energized rural Trump support, and not enough enthusiasm for Hillary in the urban areas. The Detroit turn out seldom breaks the 50% barrier and Hillary was never going to get the same enthusiasm in the minority community like President Obama did. Finally, I think there was a lot of Clinton fatigue with many voters.

If you look at history, it would be unusual for one party to win the presidency for consecutive 8 Yr terms; the electorate is usually ready for a change.

While Michigan was the birthplace of the union movement, there is very little unionization in most of the state any more. There are a lot of auto suppliers trying to compete against those in Mexico. Profit margins are tight and competition is always present. Employees are afraid if they unionize that their customers will source parts across the border and their plant will close due to lack of business.

Finally hunting and guns are a lifestyle in this state