Trump Holds Rural Vote, Biden Faces Rural Challenges

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In Greenville, Kentucky, cattle rancher JD Hill, a former Democratic voter turned Republican, is gearing up to support Donald Trump for the second time, despite reservations about the former president’s rhetoric and legal troubles. Hill, 57, believes that rural communities like his have been neglected by Democrats, particularly under President Joe Biden. While not an avid Trump supporter, Hill feels that the country hasn’t moved in the right direction during Biden’s tenure.

A recent poll conducted by researchers at Maine’s Colby College sheds light on the sentiments of likely rural voters, indicating a preference for Trump over other candidates, both Republican and Democratic. However, the support appears tepid, with only a slim majority expressing extreme satisfaction if Trump were to lead the GOP ticket. Additionally, nearly a third of rural Trump supporters view their vote as more of a vote against Biden, feeling that the president has disregarded their concerns.

The poll reveals that rural Republican voters, like Hill, perceive Biden’s leadership as disconnected from rural America. They express concerns about the state of the economy, the perceived neglect of their communities, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This sentiment aligns with Hill’s belief that Biden lacks an understanding of rural America.

Despite Trump’s legal challenges, including 91 felonies from four indictments, the overwhelming majority of rural supporters (92%) express that even a conviction would not sway their vote. This unwavering support underscores the belief among rural voters that Trump, often seen as a disruptor, better addresses their community’s needs.

The Colby College researchers suggest that rural voters, who prioritize the well-being of their entire community, perceive themselves as overlooked by Democrats, fostering a sense of economic anxiety. Trump’s unorthodox approach and strong Republican resonance in rural areas predate his presidency, reaching back to Ronald Reagan’s win in 1980.

Biden faces challenges in gaining traction with rural voters, as the poll indicates that his messages are not resonating in these areas. Only 35% of rural residents express a likelihood of voting for Biden, and a mere 29% of his supporters are “very happy” with his nomination. The lack of awareness about Biden’s infrastructure plans and new investments in broadband internet further contributes to the perception that his administration is not addressing rural concerns effectively.

As Biden seeks to connect with rural voters, experts emphasize the importance of focusing on economic issues and demonstrating tangible benefits for these communities. The Rural Voter Institute is researching to delve deeper into the challenges Democrats face in connecting with rural and small-town voters, exploring themes of perceived threats to rural values and feelings of neglect by politicians.

In summary, the Colby College poll paints a picture of rural voters leaning towards Trump due to perceived neglect by Democrats and economic concerns, despite reservations about the former president’s style and legal troubles. The challenge for Biden and Democrats lies in effectively addressing these sentiments and connecting with rural America on issues that matter to them.