The last two Republican National Conventions were focused on California alone being presented as the example of what’s wrong with America. That means the party has had a focus as California as the unique bogyman (out of all 50 states) for around 8 years.
However, there is evidence that this hatred focused on California by one of the two national political parties goes back to at least 2009, or around 15 years ago. About a year into the Governorship of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Republicans seemed to become disgusted with California and then never stopped insulting it.
TIMELINE:
2024
Republicans Love to Hate on California at GOP Convention | KQED
Republicans target Kamala Harris’ ‘California-ness.’ Do swing state voters care? | LAist
Half of Americans say California in decline, poll say – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
Poll shows many Americans think California is not like them | Fresno Bee
Opinion: To Many People, California Isn’t America – Maybe That’s a Good Thing – Times of San Diego
Survey: Half of Republicans believe California ‘not really American’ (ktla.com)
California-bashing is a constant on Iowa campaign trail by Seema Mehta, LA Times, Jan 15 2024
Conservatives’ Newfound Hatred of California Is Wrong—and Sad | The New Republic
California is just as American as Texas. Enough with the hate – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
Republicans see hating California as a strong political weapon | Sacramento Bee (sacbee.com)
2023
Why do other U.S. states hate Californians? | San Luis Obispo Tribune
California: The Most Over-Hated State – Berkeley Political Review
Californians are blamed for Colorado politics. What’s the real story? • Colorado Newsline
2021
Conservatives slam California, challenge Gavin Newsom at CPAC – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
2020
Kimberly Guilfoyle trashes California in impassioned RNC speech by ABC 7 News, Aug 25 2020
RNC speakers paint California as dangerous dystopia by Michael Finnegan, LA Times, Aug 24 2020
2019
Column: Republicans shaped California, so why do they loathe it today? (desertsun.com)
2018
How California became Trump’s most hated state by Nancy Isenson, DW, 11 23 2018
Why do so many people seem to hate California? | by Mike McPhate | The California Sun
2017
Conservative Trolls Wish Death on Californians Near Oroville Dam, But Joke’s on Them (yahoo.com)
2016
Fox News Poll: Voters reveal which state they want kicked out of the union by Fox News
2014
The Most and Least Patriotic States in the U.S. Ranked 50 to 1 – ABC7 San Francisco (abc7news.com)
2012
POLL: How Americans Feel About the States – Business Insider
Why Do People Hate California? – TheStreet
Americans love to hate California: poll | Reuters
Americans love Hawaii, dislike California – Public Policy Polling
2010
Opinion: Non-Californians ask: What’s the matter with California? – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
Outside the Beltway: What Country is California in Again? (dailysignal.com)
2009
California Will Survive Its Crackup – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Why California is Still America’s Future | TIME
No California Love, No I Heart NY: More from the GOP uncivil war – News – The Austin Chronicle
California Can’t Afford the Conservative Backlash Anymore (dailykos.com)
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