Reply #3: While I'm not a fan of Carson, I think he's right

[liberalpragmatist]

The Democratic Party label is a killer in red states. It doesn't really apply as much in races for state races, which is why Democrats are able to remain competitive in governors' races, for instance. But when it comes to races for national office, the Democratic label severely handicaps candidates. And Bush IS very popular in red states - his popular vote victory came from pretty strongly increased support in red states.

Frankly, I think that Bush's popularity and a Republican trend in red states did doom us in NC, La., and to a lesser extent, Florida. Florida was close and is still likely to be a swing state. Had Kerry won, Castor almost certainly won as well.