Published on August 30, 2024, 12:28 am

As we edge closer to the upcoming electoral races, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are attempting to make inroads with rural America. Despite the odds being seemingly stacked against this strategy, unveiling a playbook that caters specifically to rural voters, especially ones residing in battleground states, is where their focus lies.

Venturing away from the bustling cities and into heartland America, these Democrats are making a concerted effort to appeal to an electorate that may not have had significant interaction with their party in recent times. But will distancing themselves from concrete jungles be enough for them to secure support? The question remains unanswered.

Hailing from the Midwest, Governor Walz is leaning on his roots as a football coach and hunter, portraying an image reminiscent of the quintessential ‘EveryDad,’ seemingly suited up to woo rural voters. His attempted appeal doesn’t stop at sporting flannels and participating in pheasant hunts but also targeting white working-class voters and rural citizens- an audience that Harris and he are intending to win over.

In order to optimize this approach, they are calling upon strategies employed during the Obama-era under experienced strategists like David Plouffe and Stephanie Cutter. The team is placing great emphasis on traditional patriotic themes which are generally associated with Republican politicians. Case in point: Walz’s football team making its presence felt at the Democratic National Convention by leading patriotic chants of ‘USA!’.

Despite these strategic maneuvers it’s apparent that wooing rural America won’t be an easy task for Kamala Harris – there are several roadblocks standing her way. Rural areas have been predominantly sympathetic towards Republicans long before former President Donald Trump labeled them “MAGA Country”.

People living across these regions usually share a simple ethos: they treasure their autonomy from invasive political interference – something Harris’ party isn’t particularly known for respecting. Delving deeper reveals another issue: despite her reticence on policy platforms thus far, Harris’ stances aren’t hard to discern given her prior support for far-left policies.

Adding to these challenges is the fact that Walz’s tenure as governor has been much more liberal than his casual wear and hunting preferences would suggest. His military record inconsistency is a potential deterrent to rural voters, and his perceived violation of Second Amendment rights could drive away gun owners.

Looking at the broader picture, this election will see kitchen table issues gain prominence. With the continued struggle in rural America to maintain their livelihoods — much like their city and suburban counterparts – the failure of the Biden administration to address these economic woes could keep them firmly planted in Trump’s camp.

The conclusion seems apparent – symbolic gestures like wearing flannels and chanting “USA” might not be enough for Harris or Walz to sway rural America. Success may require more than well-meant symbolism. At the end of the day, real news will report on who was able to present solutions grounded in clear strategy rather than idealized imagery, illuminating trusted news from a Christian worldview.