When election season rolls around, politicians always claim to be the voice of rural Americans – no matter their party. The reality, however, is when you drive through rural neighborhoods you often see boarded-up storefronts and shuttered hospitals, with no politicians in sight. Politicians only care when it gets them elected, and those promises made during campaigns are usually empty. It’s these forgotten places that continue to suffer the most.
At the core of Democratic beliefs is equity and opportunity for all, a message that speaks and connects directly with rural voters. Many of their policies benefit these people as well, such as healthcare expansion or infrastructure funding. Still, though, many rural voters feel like their messaging is too urban-centered. Distaste in the Democrats from these citizens comes from feeling like the party is out of touch with what they truly need. As a result, even helpful legislation is met with skepticism since it rarely reaches rural communities – the people that need it the most. Good intentions may be there, but without follow through the message gets lost.
Republicans speak the language of rural communities, a culture invested in the ideals of faith, freedom and tradition. Where they lack, however, is actual substance. During campaigns, they may promise to protect rural life, but their policies largely favor the elites and large corporations. Funding for public services gets cut, and local farmers are often beaten out by larger competitors. They don’t maintain loyalty by offering economic solutions, but by leaning on divisive rhetoric. The validation may be there, but practical changes are not.
The result? A deepening divide between rural and urban communities, resulting in resentment. Rural Americans feel invisible, rightfully so, because politicians feed them vague assurances – while leaving their communities broken. That sense of abandonment or exploitation for votes leads to distrust in the government and opens the door for political apathy, sometimes turning into extremism. Rural Americans deserve more than billboards and surface level support.
