Yeah, but the political climate was against gay marriage almost everywhere in 2008. I think Proposition 8 might not pass in California again now.....maybe. Either way, at least the perception is that the country is more open to it now.
Also, despite winning it in 2008, Obama was already lost in North Carolina no matter what this time. It's not really a swing state, it's just that Bush and the Republicans were so incredibly unpopular in 2008 that it became one.
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Congratulations to SuperNiceDog, Guru Winner, who was smart enough to pick
your 7 time champion, Link.