cover of episode The Fight for Rural America

The Fight for Rural America

2024/10/3
logo of podcast The Run-Up

The Run-Up

Chapters

The rural-urban political divide has grown significantly over the past four decades, with rural voters increasingly aligning with Republican candidates. This shift is driven by factors like economic concerns, feelings of government neglect, cultural pride, and specific policy grievances like NAFTA. While Republican politicians have effectively tapped into this sentiment, Democrats have struggled to connect with rural voters, sometimes even appearing to dismiss them.
  • Rural voters now represent approximately 20% of the electorate and are a crucial voting bloc for Republicans.
  • Rural identity is becoming increasingly nationalized, with shared economic concerns, grievances against the government, and cultural pride.
  • NAFTA is a key policy grievance for many rural voters, who feel it led to job losses and benefited others at their expense.
  • Republican politicians have successfully addressed the sense of being left behind felt by rural voters, while Democrats have struggled to connect with them.

Shownotes Transcript

Tim Walz, a former high school football coach from a tiny town, has folksy sayings and a camo cap. JD Vance shot to fame with “Hillbilly Elegy,” aiming to speak for parts of rural America that felt left behind.

Both parties — especially with their vice-presidential candidates — are trying to convey to rural Americans that they are not forgotten.

This comes after Democrats have seen significant erosion of support in rural areas.

How have Republicans grown their rural advantage to historic levels? Can Democrats do enough to remain competitive in 2024 — especially in places like Mr. Walz’s former congressional district?

In the wake of the vice-presidential debate, The Run-Up looks at how both parties are trying to reach rural voters — with their vice-presidential candidates and their messages.