In the aftermath of Sen. Clinton's 250k win there, there has been considerable  commentary about various aspects of the state, the campaign, lessons to be drawn, etc. - some on the mark, more that is highly questionable, some comically ignorant. As one who has connections and roots in KY, and feels that he knows a thing or two about the place, let me try to address a few misconceptions as I see them -  I think it's important to base political strategy on actual TRUTHS as best you can, and not fall victim to perhaps comforting stereotypes, distortions, and myths:

(1)KY is not an "Appalachian" state, in the sense that neighboring WV is. KY has a large Appalachian region in its eastern third, but the remainder of the state is as different from that region as anywhere else in the country (in that sense, it has more in common with Virginia or North Carolina): Northern KY is basically Cinncinnati suburbs - the Ohio River is far  more of an influence there than the Appalachian Mountains. Louisville is widely regarded as one of the more progressive and cultured medium-sized cities in the country.  The central Bluegrass area around Lexington is either "college  town" , USA(7 or so in the general area), or alternatively, semi-aristocratic horse farm country. The approximate western third has its own culture and style, very different from the rest - almost Mid-Western in outlook.

(2)KY is not a "racist" state. Certainly there are racists there, but racial relations in general would stand well by comparison with either the Deep South or the big industrial northern cities.  It seems to me that this would be such a self-evident fact under normal circumstances, that I'm unsure how to debate it.

(3)KY is not a "Republican" state.  There has been ONE Republican governor there in the last 40 years (he was dismissed after one term in 2007).  The recent tendency in federal elections has been back toward Democrats, after a drift the other way going back to Reagan. The local apparatus (the Southeast excepted) is (and always has been) primarily Democratic. When the national Democratic Party gets a candidate in there who knows how to TALK to these voters (or even just CARES about talking to them), he wins. Bill Clinton did it twice. GW Bush (whatever his faults) did it twice as well. These guys know HOW to do it.

(4)Hillary Clinton most certainly COULD win KY, against Sen. McCain or any other Republican. To just dismiss it as "lost" for ANY Democrat is totally misguided.  I spent a lot of time "out there" during the recent Primary run-up. The Clintons in full campaign mode in that kind of setting are truly something to behold. I personally think Bill is more popular there than he ever was, and the Clintons (ALL of them) are the hardest working and most energetic political people I have ever seen. The 1992-2000 era is nearly universally regarded as some of the best times in the history of the state  (EXPLOSIVE applause every time it comes up).
 

Enough said. God forbid this should sound like one of those Chamber of Commerce brochures -  I'm personally indifferent to "image". People who live or spend time anywhere know it for what it is, and aren't much swayed by testimonials. My purpose here is plainly and simply to shine a light on some of the pertinent facts as I see them. If  I succeed in that effort, then Sen. Obama's advisers can't say they weren't told.