AHC: Make Republicans control the West while the Democrats control the East

What if, instead of the north-south divide in the American electoral map, but a west-east happens? How could have that happen?
 
What if, instead of the north-south divide in the American electoral map, but a west-east happens? How could have that happen?

So, 1976 forever?

Have Carter win in 1980 (perhaps because a regime change in late October in Iran leads to the hostages being freed), then when the economy recovers and the 1984 election happens, the next Democratic candidate is a Southerner as well, or at least has a Southern running mate, leading to an election map not unlike '76 again. After there are enough Southern Democratic candidates, the Democrats will have changed their views in such a way as to gain Southern support.
 
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