"... Missouri joined the union in 1821, and for 187 years no Democrat won the presidency without carrying the state. When Democrats lost, they at least kept it close here. Even Michael Dukakis lost Missouri by only 4 points. Then, in 2008, Barack Obama won the presidency while losing Missouri. It was close! Only 3,903 votes separated Obama from McCain, while Ralph Nader—of course, who the hell else?—snagged 17,813..."
What I was seeing was likely the remnants of the Democratic machine that lived so long in that state. We can only hope Barack Obama (among others) destroyed the party there. Little hope for my state, but as is commonly said by those who wish to exploit or destroy hope: "Hope dies last!"
Yes, historically Missouri was solid democrat for most of its history. But in the last 15-20 years it has been drifting towards the Republicans. Right now Republicans enjoy veto-proof majorities in both houses of the General Assembly. Kind of a reverse of the situation in California.
The democrats’ are still strong in the urban areas, of course, but the life-long democrats who came of age in FDR’s day are a dying breed.