What is the origin of Democrats = BLUE and Republicans = RED.?

Question

I don't recall these colors being used in the 1996 election. Then suddenly, there they are in 2000. Someone must have come up with these colors.

It was Thomas Nast who came up with the Donkey and Elephant for the two main parties way back in the 19th century.

Also, why D=Blue and R=Red?

Answer 1

It used to depend on what TV network you were watching. Some had blue for Republican and red for Democrat, but most had the other way around. Eventually (but I think it only happened in the last few elections) all the networks chose to use blue for Democrat and red for Republican.

I don't think there's any rhyme or reason for it. Red and blue are American colors and if there was a viable third party, I imagine itd be white. (Except the Greens would be green, naturally) But its interesting that left-wing parties in other countries usually are the 'red' party, so you'd think the Democrats would be red. Although, the Dems aren't as socialist as most left-wing parties in other countries and probably would rather not be labeled as reds.

Answer 2

Just the colors used on election night Y2K. I remember back in 1984, the whole map was a sea of blue for Reagan.

Answer 3

I don't know for sure, but my guess is a comentator used the map of the results of a presidential election and referred to "red states" and "blue states" and the labels stuck.

Answer 4

Because yellow and green have negative connotations.

Yellow meaning scared, cowardly.

Green meaning, new or inexperienced.


Just kidding, but I'd like to know too.