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What drives the deepening political divide in rural America? In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Jacobs from Colby College, and co-author of the book The Rural Voter: The Politics of Place and the Disuniting of America discusses the cultural and economic threads that intertwine to bolster Donald Trump's appeal among rural voters. We examine the evolution of historically Democratic regions as they increasingly align with Republican ideologies, challenging the conventional narrative of rural resentment and highlighting the unique stories and perceptions that have taken hold.

We look at preliminary data from the 2024 election showing how demographic shifts, including a surge of first-time Latino Trump voters, are shaking up traditional voting patterns in rural areas. We discuss Kamala Harris's struggles to resonate with rural voters in key swing states, analyzing how the Democratic Party's approach may have missed the mark in addressing their core concerns. We also talk about the longstanding trends that have cemented Republican loyalty among non-college-educated and working-class voters.

Finally, we unpack why rural voters might support Democratic policies but balk at Democratic candidates. From the effectiveness of federal programs to the disillusionment with long-celebrated reforms like the Affordable Care Act, we explore the disconnect between political accomplishments and voter expectations. We close by discussing the broader implications of this urban-rural divide on the future of American democracy and how both Bernie Sanders and Trump have tapped into the sentiment of a broken system.

Related:
Counterpoint Podcast

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