Mon Sep 09 14:57:28 UTC 2024: ## Trump’s Rural Support: It’s Not Just the “Left-Behind”
A new analysis suggests that Donald Trump’s support in rural communities is not solely driven by economic hardship, as commonly believed. While poorer white voters nationwide were more likely to vote for Trump, the study reveals that within local communities, it’s actually the “locally rich” – those with higher incomes relative to their neighbors – who are more likely to support him.
This “local gentry,” as they are referred to, are often prominent figures in their communities, owning businesses, sponsoring local events, and holding significant influence. Their strong support for Trump stems not only from economic anxieties, but also from a deep-seated antipathy towards the Democratic Party, which they perceive as hostile to their interests.
Small business owners, often the backbone of these local elites, are particularly critical of regulations and taxes, seeing them as burdensome and detrimental to their bottom line. While they may understand the need for these measures intellectually, they often experience them as a personal attack on their livelihood. This sentiment has only intensified in recent years, fueled by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing labor shortage.
This understanding of Trump’s rural support challenges the prevailing narrative of him being the champion of the “left-behind” working class. Instead, it suggests that his appeal lies in mobilizing local elites who feel marginalized by broader social and economic trends.
The article concludes by posing a crucial question for the Democratic Party: how to win back these rural communities? Will they focus on engaging with local elites, seeking to build alliances and influence? Or will they pursue a more independent strategy, aiming to organize and connect with voters directly, potentially challenging the influence of the local gentry? The answer will likely determine the Democrats’ future success in these critical areas.
First Piper 