Divided We Rank
Whether it’s about TV, dog breeds, or fast food beef, there’s very little that red states and blue states can agree on, according to Ranker data.
Photo: Wikimedia
The political map is more unpredictable than usual these days. Demographic and political shifts are causing formerly solid red states like Virginia and even Texas to go blue, while the Midwest has demonstrated a more conservative streak than usual in the last few elections. Meanwhile, swing states like Florida and Ohio remain as unpredictable as ever. That being said, the vast majority of states are predictable in the way they swing for Democrats or Republicans every election year. And as Ranker data has found out, that polarization goes well beyond the world of politics.
We looked at some competitive lists from categories that spanned video games, fast food, and entertainment to look at how voters in red and blue states voted, and we found that the two groups consistently disagree with one another on just about everything. Here are 15 topics that Americans just can’t seem to compromise on.
Blue States: Pit Bull
Photo: NeedPix
Red States: Labrador
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Left-leaning states have a soft spot for the often misunderstood Pitbull, while more conservative states are drawn towards an American classic, the Labrador.
Both sides of the political aisle favored animated buddy comedies, but when it comes to the question of best Pixar movies of all time, blue states broke for Tom Hanks and Tim Allen over Billy Crystal and John Goodman.
Everyone can agree that two pieces of candy are better than one! But sadly, America is still divided on what exactly that candy should be.
Blue States: Terminator 2
Photo: Tristar Pictures
Red States: Die Hard
Photo: 20th Century Studios
Lefties prefer James Cameron’s 1991 iconic sequel to the original Terminator movie, Judgment Day, while voters from the right stick with the classic 1988 Die Hard. Regardless of what fans think, the stars of both movies lean rightward in their political views.
It’s no surprise that those in Trump country aren’t big fans of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the left-leaning HBO satire news show favored by blue states. Those on the right prefer Bob’s Burgers, the popular, heartfelt animated comedy on Fox.
Those in states that tend to vote Democratic voted for a veteran actress who has been entertaining film audiences for decades, while Republican-leaning states favor a younger, but similarly talented Hollywood star. Streep and Lawrence won the Oscar for Best Actress back to back in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Both are tremendously popular (and famously liberal) Hollywood actors, but ultimately, Republicans love Leonardo while Democrats are more likely to love Tom Hanks. I guess that means everyone can agree on Catch Me If You Can!
It seems that liberal-leaning voters are drawn to rock music infused with the radical politics of the 1960s, where conservative states bang their heads to the apolitical, party animal attitude of hair metal in the 1980s.
Blue States: “Yesterday”
Red States: “Something”
Paul’s 1965 breakup anthem is the favorite among states that tend to vote Democratic. Meanwhile, voters in more conservative states love one of George Harrison’s biggest hits, “Something,” from the 1969 album Abbey Road.
These two titans of TV are competing with each other across tons of TV lists on Ranker, and it seems that the competition is somewhat political. Our data says that, when it comes to TV dramas, red states are on Team GoT, while blue states are rooting for Heisenberg.
Blue States: Lincoln
Red States: Washington
Even when it comes to the greatest U.S. presidents, figured revered across the political spectrum, Americans can’t seem to agree on who’s best. Democrats love one of the first Republican presidents, Abraham Lincoln, while Republicans vote for America’s first Commander in Chief.
Blue States: Ocarina of Time
Photo: Zeldapedia
Red States: Doom
Photo: Lifewire
“Doom,” the grandfather of all first-person shooter games, is the GOAT as far as red state voters are concerned. Those in blue states, on the other hand, are big fans of the classic Nintendo 64 adventure “Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.”
If we had to guess, this has more to do with location than with taste. In-N-Out is big in California, the most populous blue state, while Whataburger is a fast food staple in Texas, the most densely populated red state. In-N-Out is only available in states along the largely liberal West Coast, while Whataburger locations are sprinkled throughout the mostly conservative Southern states.
Both stars played their best games for teams in blue states (Illinois and California), but NBA fans in red states still love the late, great Kobe Bryant, while those in more Democratic-leaning states are most likely to vote for Michael Jordan.
Blue States: Richard Pryor
Red States: George Carlin
Both comedians are pioneers of the art form who first became famous decades ago, but Americans are split on which was funniest. On the right, the irreverent stylings of George Carlin are more popular, whereas blue states are more partial to the work of Richard Pryor.
Where we agree…
That’s not to say the country is so divided on literally everything. Our research found a few topics that Americans seem to agree on, regardless of their political leanings.
Photo: HBO
BEST LOONEY TUNES CHARACTER: Bugs Bunny
Photo: Flickr
BEST QUARTERBACK OF ALL TIME: Tom Brady
Photo: Needpix
BEST KIND OF DONUT: Glazed
Photo: Wikimedia
BEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME: Tupac
Photo: Wikimedia
BEST ROCK SONGWRITER OF ALL TIME: Bob Dylan
Photo: Warner Bros.
BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE: The Dark Knight
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Photo: Marvel Comics