Missouri bellwetherとは 意味・読み方・使い方

The Missouri bellwether is a political phenomenon that notes that the state of Missouri voted for the winner in all but two U.S. Presidential election since 1904 (the exceptions are 1956 and 2008). While states like Ohio, Iowa, Nevada, and New Mexico have been arguably stronger indicators of political trends in recent years, Missouri has been a consistent swing state since 1904. Prior to the 2008 elections, Lincoln County, Missouri was said to be the only bellwether county in a bellwether state. Missouri is also considered a bellwether of U.S. views on hot-button social issues such as stem cell research, and school vouchers. Some economists also consider the state a bellwether for economic trends such as consumer confidence and unemployment.