The name "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words okla humma, "red people". And that is increasingly the most appropriate term, given that red also means Republican in American political jargon. So, at least, thinks Keith Gaddie, a professor at the University of Oklahoma, who is writing a book called "Red State Rising". In 2008 Oklahoma was the only state in which John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, won every county. He also carried the state by his second biggest margin anywhere. Last month Oklahomans gave all statewide offices to Republicans for the first time. This marks a permanent shift, says Mr Gaddie: Democrats in Oklahoma are now "an alien, dying brand".
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