The Difference Between Blue States & Red States
Let's move past the rhetoric and look at the facts — which states are safer, more economically prosperous, and better for your health?
by Qasim Rashid
[Ed. note: this article appeared before the recent elections]
Despite claims by many Republican leaders that their policies lead to better results for working Americans, the facts reveal a starkly different reality. And it is necessary to examine these real differences in the outcomes of governance. Here I quickly break them down, with receipts, and share the impact of each party’s policies on critical issues, from the economy to public safety. With the election around the corner, I hope this serves as a useful resource to send to yet uncommitted or unsure voters. You can either read below, or watch my short video that candidly breaks it down in less than 75 seconds. Let’s Address This.
Crime Rates and Public Safety
While “law and order” is a frequent rallying cry among Republican leaders, the data shows a surprising contrast. The murder rate in Republican-led states is approximately 40% higher than in Democrat-led states. If blue states had this disparity, Republican leaders would likely be the first to call it out. Instead, this statistic is largely ignored in public discussions, raising questions about the actual impact of Republican-led policies on public safety.
Economic Contributions
Republicans often promote themselves as the party of economic growth, but Democrat-led states consistently make up a larger share of America’s economic output. Blue Counties contribute a massive 71% to the nation’s economy, while red Counties account for only 29%. Despite the rhetoric that Republican states drive American prosperity, the economic data tells a different story.
Dependency on Federal Aid
One of the most striking differences between red and blue states lies in their reliance on federal welfare benefits. Republicans frequently criticize government “handouts,” yet nine of the top ten states most dependent on federal aid are Republican-led. This reliance on federal funds raises questions about the self-sufficiency of red states and challenges the Republican stance against government assistance.
Gun Violence and Safety
Gun rights are a central tenet of the Republican platform, with many GOP leaders asserting that increased access to guns enhances public safety. However, gun violence data paints a contrasting picture. Sixteen of the top seventeen states with the highest rates of gun violence are Republican-led, a troubling trend that casts doubt on the efficacy of pro-gun policies in promoting public safety.
Maternal and Infant Health
The issue of maternal and infant mortality starkly highlights the real-world consequences of policies that deprioritize healthcare access and resources for vulnerable populations. While Republicans position themselves as the “pro-life” party, nine of the top ten states with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates are Republican-led. These outcomes directly contradict claims that conservative policies are best for protecting life and health.
So, What is the GOP Really Fighting For?
The above examples could go on, and on, and on—covering education, voting access, entrepreneurship, and more. In short, the data demonstrates that Democratic-led states consistently outperform Republican-led states on key issues Republicans often claim as their own. Whether it’s public safety, economic strength, reliance on federal aid, gun safety, or healthcare, the reality is clear: Democratic policies ensure better outcomes for citizens.
As voters, we have a responsibility to demand accountability. It’s time to ask: what do Republican policies truly achieve outside of tax cuts for the super wealthy? And if Democratic states are already achieving the outcomes that Republicans claim to prioritize, what exactly are GOP leaders fighting for? With the election coming up, it is critical each person votes and votes to prevent Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Otherwise we ensure the failure of Republican led states to further expand nationwide. While Trump and his Republican acolytes continue to fight for the billionaire class, we must reject that strategy, and instead vote to fight for the working class. The data shows that blue states are safer, more economically prosperous, and ensure better healthcare and longer lives. That is worth voting for.