At a time when it can seem Americans have never been more divided, one issue stirs up passions like no other. I speak, of course, of the definition of “the Midwest.” Delineating that great vast middle of the country—interior but definitely not Southern, west of the Northeast, but not the […] Read more »
Why Democrats are stuck competing in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin
… Recent electoral history and demographics suggest that, despite the quick leftward movement of well-educated suburbs across the country, Democrats probably still have to worry about Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and other currently purple states in 2020. CONT. David Byler, Washington Post Read more »
Farmers back Trump’s tariff fight, but don’t think it helps them
As the Trump administration’s trade fight with China deepens, the impacts are starting to pile up — particularly in the nation’s farming communities where tariffs targeting agricultural products are hitting hard. And with 2020 approaching, the ongoing dispute could have serious electoral implications. Polls show a mix of presidential support […] Read more »
The Heartland Is Moving in Different Directions
The Democrats’ ability to wrest back Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa faces a steep hurdle. The population of the Rust Belt is aging at a much faster pace than the rest of the country. Exit polls show that people over the age of 50 put Donald Trump in the White […] Read more »
In this Michigan county, voters feel economic gains and Trump fatigue
… At a time when unemployment is near historic lows and the economy is flourishing, the 2020 election could turn on the question of whether Americans turned off by Trump’s racist and xenophobic rhetoric will give him a pass because they and their loved ones are doing better financially. Places […] Read more »
In 2020, Midwest turnout will be key to Democrats’ fortunes
This week the Democratic presidential hopefuls will meet in Detroit for their second set of debates. Next summer the party will hold its nominating convention in Milwaukee. And this spring Democratic front-runner Joe Biden officially kicked off his campaign in Philadelphia. Notice a pattern? Early indications are that the 2020 […] Read more »