How to Place Rural Communities at the Heart of the Anti-Trump Movement

"Democrats and others on the left need to put working people, farmers, and rural communities at the center of the effort to defeat Trumpism. There's no question that rural activists are ready to take their place and play their part in the coalitions that are forming. That was evident in the demonstrations that took place in hundreds of villages and towns across the country for the October 18 No Kings Day of Action."

"Since the launch, a dozen additional events have been held as part of the campaign, ranging from town-hall-style meetings in rural Appalachia to virtual gatherings focused on what the left must do to win back working people. Local, regional, and national organizations have joined the campaign, each organizing a range of actions and events that center working-class and rural concerns in different ways. Campaign partners include the Rural Urban Bridge Initiative, Progressive Democrats of America, Rural Democracy Initiative, Field Team Six, Public Citizen, and a dozen others."

Rural and working-class communities must be prioritized to build a broad coalition capable of defeating Trumpism. Rural activists showed readiness through demonstrations in hundreds of villages and towns on October 18. Lawmakers and organizers have promoted urgent investment in rural areas and transformative policies such as a Rural New Deal to counter corporate power and level the economic playing field. The campaign has hosted multiple town halls and virtual gatherings and enlisted local, regional, and national partners. Current resistance has mobilized many events but lacks sustained focus on rural harms and a coherent pro-worker, pro-rural platform.

Read at The Nation