They used to alternate every election till 2004 when the press deliberately saddled GOP with red permanently
Propaganda
Exactly. Although I know they were doing that and commenting on it on election night 2000; I don't remember what the scheme was in 1996 (Clinton/Dole).
The color red was getting too close to the truth.
Plus, they probably focus-grouped some advantages for the Dims out of having "blue". They'd do that, to help their little 'Rat-faced Communist buddies.