The NPR Politics Podcast Why People In Republican-Leaning Areas Seem More Likely To Die Prematurely
Jun 14, 2022
Allison Aubrey, NPR health correspondent, dives into the surprising link between political views and mortality rates. She sheds light on how health outcomes diverge between Republican and Democratic areas. Factors like state policies and vaccine accessibility play crucial roles, revealing a growing gap in life expectancy. The discussion also examines how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these disparities, particularly in Trump-voting counties. It's a fascinating exploration of health, politics, and their impact on longevity.
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Political Affiliation and Mortality
- Study finds higher mortality rates in Republican-leaning counties across the U.S.
- This includes deaths from various causes, from heart disease to suicide, and the trend is accelerating.
Impact of State Policies
- Differences in state policies between Republican and Democrat-led states may contribute to health outcome disparities.
- This includes policies like Medicaid expansion, minimum wage, and gun control.
COVID-19 Deaths and Voting Patterns
- Counties with high Trump voter percentages saw over twice the COVID-19 death rate compared to Biden counties.
- This trend became more pronounced as the Trump vote share increased.