CHICAGO: In a bid to reclaim rural America, Democrats are intensifying their efforts to bridge the “rural-urban divide” and woo rural voters away from Republican Donald Trump as Vice President Kamala Harris leads the presidential ticket for the party.
At a crucial meeting on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, party officials and campaign workers gathered to discuss ways to appeal to voters in rural areas who have increasingly leaned Republican.
The session featured a manual from the new initiative, “The Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative,” designed to offer practical advice on engaging with rural communities. Laura Kelly, the Democratic governor of Kansas—a state known for its Republican leanings—emphasized the need for Democrats to address local issues directly.
“The secret to winning over rural voters: talk to them about their schools, about their roads, about health care,” Kelly advised. She urged Democrats to be visible and genuinely involved in rural communities, beyond just photo ops.
The gathering, held in a ballroom decorated with signs such as “Kowgirls for Harris,” reflected the party’s commitment to connecting with rural voters. The initiative’s manual suggested ways to foster local connections, including displaying patriotism, holding town halls as listening sessions, and speaking in a manner that resonates with rural audiences.
Since Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election, the Democratic Party has faced challenges in winning back rural voters who had traditionally supported the party but shifted allegiance to Trump.
The 2024 election presents a critical opportunity for Democrats to address this shift, particularly in key battleground states like North Carolina, which could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the presidential race.
“This is the first year that our party has been really active about this,” said Diane Snyder, a Democratic official from a Republican-leaning county in North Carolina. She noted that grassroots efforts, including door-to-door canvassing, have been met with surprise and growing engagement from rural voters.
Trump has characterized Harris as a “socialist” and out of touch with rural America, portraying her as part of a coastal elite. In response, Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, known for his Midwestern sensibilities and background as a high school teacher and football coach, as her running mate.
Walz is set to formally accept the vice presidential nomination and address delegates at the convention’s third day. His selection is aimed at reinforcing the Democratic ticket’s appeal to rural voters.
Former Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp praised Walz, calling him “so authentic” and a key asset to the ticket. Patricia Walsh, a Democrat from remote Alaska, highlighted the significance of grassroots efforts.
