Arizona: “largely rural”? You kidding? More than 50% of the state’s population lives in metro Phoenix and that doesn’t count Tuscon. Look up the facts before you write - it’s called journalism.
I remember that day well. It was hot as hell. I also remember we weren’t very kind to one of the Dem Party chairs or somebody- he started droning on and on and frankly we we’re getting heat stroke. We yelled him off the porch. ( we’re tough but we’re not stupid- this was NOT the person we came to hear).
THANK YOU!!! I’ve been saying for weeks now that she and Walz can do interviews with who they want - and they should be highly selective . Why not what you are suggesting ?!?!? Why not ODonnell with MSNBC? Why not pbs? It doesn’t have to be CNN - why waste her time on these? I hope your informed advice gains some traction - 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I’d add that you have a candidate in walz that can really speak to rural midwestern voters - this is something that the Trump/Vance campaign cannot compete with
I’m really gratified to find the progressive rural perspective on Substack. I follow Jess Piper, too. You both have given me better insight into the political realities in “red states”.
Thank you. Great idea about using local Dem leaders. That last bit about Obama viewing you and a colleague as the most important journalists in the world made me tear up a moment. :-)
Thanks for the post. I agree that the national candidates should not ignore rural areas. I have one quibble. I wonder how you define “largely rural”? I would probably base it on population. According to the 2020 census the key states that you mentioned had urban populations ranging from 67.1%(Wisconsin) to 94.1%(Nevada). The others had about three quarters of their populations classified as urban. https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/reference/ua/State_Urban_Rural_Pop_2020_2010.xlsx
Thanks! One thing I didn't say because it is beside the point is that my father-in-law was Barack Obama's fathers roommate at the University of Hawaii. He saw baby Barack when they came back from the hospital. I told Obama that, and he was stunned, and had me repeat what I said. he had an aide get my father-in-law's phone number, but he never called him.
Thank you Bob. I have not been reading much lately in an effort to not be overwhelmed and stressed. Your piece is right on and I appreciate it. Even our IDP doesn't understand rural. For example, in the past we rural party leaders have been told "signs don't vote." All of us know the importance of political signs. It sends a message. Many of us have been concentrating on local radio stations, especially during the day when farmers are in the fields and listening to radio. Local press is extremely important.
Extra thanks for noting how wrong people who say "signs don't vote" are. Every time someone posts a sign, it first sends a message that the person posting the sign votes, and secondly, the sign offers solidarity with people that want to speak up but think they are alone. So very good.
And we all seek to read everything we encounter. In rural places, we all read the signs. in urban places, there are so many signs that we cant keep track of messaging. so important in rural places, but consultants don't make money from signs.
Arizona: “largely rural”? You kidding? More than 50% of the state’s population lives in metro Phoenix and that doesn’t count Tuscon. Look up the facts before you write - it’s called journalism.
I remember that day well. It was hot as hell. I also remember we weren’t very kind to one of the Dem Party chairs or somebody- he started droning on and on and frankly we we’re getting heat stroke. We yelled him off the porch. ( we’re tough but we’re not stupid- this was NOT the person we came to hear).
Anyway we knew then she had a future- boy howdy!
THANK YOU!!! I’ve been saying for weeks now that she and Walz can do interviews with who they want - and they should be highly selective . Why not what you are suggesting ?!?!? Why not ODonnell with MSNBC? Why not pbs? It doesn’t have to be CNN - why waste her time on these? I hope your informed advice gains some traction - 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
It has made it to campaign staff. Now let's see if they follow it. Thanks!
I’d add that you have a candidate in walz that can really speak to rural midwestern voters - this is something that the Trump/Vance campaign cannot compete with
I’m really gratified to find the progressive rural perspective on Substack. I follow Jess Piper, too. You both have given me better insight into the political realities in “red states”.
Thank you! You are very kind.
Thank you. Great idea about using local Dem leaders. That last bit about Obama viewing you and a colleague as the most important journalists in the world made me tear up a moment. :-)
Thank you! You are very kind.
I really appreciated the insights in this column. The Obama story is consistent with others I have read - he had very smart staff.
As always, great advice, Robert. Now, how do you (or we) get your important message to the Harris-Walz campaign staff?
Thanks Thomas. It's been placed in the hands of several people who can get it to the campaign. Fingers crossed.
Thanks again, Dr. Bob.
Thanks for the post. I agree that the national candidates should not ignore rural areas. I have one quibble. I wonder how you define “largely rural”? I would probably base it on population. According to the 2020 census the key states that you mentioned had urban populations ranging from 67.1%(Wisconsin) to 94.1%(Nevada). The others had about three quarters of their populations classified as urban. https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/reference/ua/State_Urban_Rural_Pop_2020_2010.xlsx
good point! I didn't define it--and will think it through. Thanks!
👍
From another small town media person, Amen, Amen!
I think Kamala will want to talk with you: Betting on it!
I have spoken with her several times before. She is fantastic. Too bad Iowa isn't a swing state anymore...
We can make it one again!
Thank you so much for sharing this. The Obama ending was the perfect way to say it. I always look forward so much to your writing.
Thanks! One thing I didn't say because it is beside the point is that my father-in-law was Barack Obama's fathers roommate at the University of Hawaii. He saw baby Barack when they came back from the hospital. I told Obama that, and he was stunned, and had me repeat what I said. he had an aide get my father-in-law's phone number, but he never called him.
Exactly!
Thank you Bob. I have not been reading much lately in an effort to not be overwhelmed and stressed. Your piece is right on and I appreciate it. Even our IDP doesn't understand rural. For example, in the past we rural party leaders have been told "signs don't vote." All of us know the importance of political signs. It sends a message. Many of us have been concentrating on local radio stations, especially during the day when farmers are in the fields and listening to radio. Local press is extremely important.
Extra thanks for noting how wrong people who say "signs don't vote" are. Every time someone posts a sign, it first sends a message that the person posting the sign votes, and secondly, the sign offers solidarity with people that want to speak up but think they are alone. So very good.
And we all seek to read everything we encounter. In rural places, we all read the signs. in urban places, there are so many signs that we cant keep track of messaging. so important in rural places, but consultants don't make money from signs.
Thanks much Denise! And thanks for writing for local, rural newspapers!
Thank you very much for this article. You and Jess Piper are so important on Substack.
Thank you!