The 2016 Election: A State-by-State Showdown
The 2016 Presidential Election was a real nail-biter. It came down to the wire, and the results had a huge impact on American politics. But who actually won each state? Let's break it down!
The Battleground States: Where it All Went Down
The big story of the 2016 election was the battleground states. These are the states that were super close, and where the outcome could have flipped the whole election. Think Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio. These states, along with a few others, ultimately decided who won the presidency.
Here's a quick rundown of the key states:
- Florida: Trump won Florida by a hair, 1.2 percentage points to be exact. The Sunshine State, with its large population, was crucial for both candidates.
- Pennsylvania: Trump took Pennsylvania, a state that's usually considered blue, by a narrow margin. This win was a major upset for the Democrats.
- Michigan: Trump also surprised everyone by winning Michigan. It's a state that hasn't voted Republican in decades, so this was a big win for the GOP.
- Wisconsin: Another traditional Democratic stronghold, Wisconsin fell to Trump. It's a state that's been on the verge of becoming a battleground for a while, but this was the first time it flipped red in a long time.
- Ohio: Known as the "Buckeye State," Ohio is often considered a bellwether for presidential elections. Trump won it, adding to his victory tally.
Beyond the Battlegrounds: Who Won Where?
While the battleground states were the biggest drama, the election wasn't just about those key states. Here's a quick look at the rest of the country:
- The Solid Red States: States like Texas, Alabama, and Wyoming were all pretty solid wins for Trump. They've consistently voted Republican in recent elections, and this time was no different.
- The Solid Blue States: States like California, New York, and Illinois all went blue for Clinton. These are states that are known for their strong Democratic leanings.
- The Swing States: Some states, like North Carolina, Virginia, and Colorado, are considered "swing states." These are states that don't always vote consistently for one party, and they can go either way in any election.
The Electoral College: How the Votes Actually Count
Remember, the US doesn't elect the president based on the popular vote. It's all about the Electoral College. Each state has a certain number of electors, based on their population. The candidate who wins a state usually wins all of that state's electors. The first candidate to reach 270 electoral votes wins the election.
In the end, Trump won 304 electoral votes to Clinton's 227, making him the 45th President of the United States.
Looking Back: Understanding the 2016 Election
The 2016 election was a turning point in American politics. It was a close race, full of surprises and controversy. Understanding the state-by-state breakdown helps us understand how it all went down.