[michaelchisari]

There are huge 'red' zones mixed throughout 'blue' california.

Geographically, yes. But land doesn't vote, people do. By population, it's a huge spread. Hillary beat Trump by over a 30% spread. 61.73% vs 31.62%.

Most of the big "blue" states are similar. In Illinois, it was a 17% spread. Over 22% spread in New York.

[cderwin]

That doesn't change the fact that nearly one out of three Californians voted for Trump (of those who voted, anyways). It's a huge spread politically, but 32% of the population isn't something that can just be handwaved away.

[lacampbell]

You're not disagreeing with his point at all. 60% blue and 30% red still looks like purple to me.

Even the most staunchly blue states have a huge red contingent - and vice versa.