As we all know, the next debate of the Democratic primary is tomorrow, November 20th. We’ve had a few of these already, and we’ve gotten a lot of good air time on candidates foreign policy plans, their health care plans, or their perspective on President Trump. What we haven’t seen much of is attention paid to rural America — and that’s a real shame. These candidates each have dedicated rural plans, or at the very least infrastructure, health care, education, or other plans that focus on the rural components of these issues. When given the chance, they love to talk about them. 

Case in point: The biggest Democratic Party event of the year was just a few weeks ago — Iowa’s Liberty and Justice Celebration in Des Moines. Lot of attention paid to what often amounted to the same stump speeches these candidates make on a daily basis. The next day, in Cedar Rapids, Representative Finkenauer had a forum of her own. It was focused on infrastructure and jobs. And it gave us some of the most substance, the most depth that we’ve yet seen in this primary. 

Elizabeth Warren speaking on rural broadband:

Pete Buttigieg on Trump’s Big Oil Waivers:

Bernie Sanders talking on clean energy infrastructure and biofuels: 

These are just three moments from a *three hour long* forum where 9 candidates shared detail on their vision for investing in infrastructure and jobs, often with a laser focus on rural issues. So this goes to the broadcasters: Ask these candidates about their plans! Give them the opportunity to talk about something they have a clear passion for. And to the candidates and their campaigns, because we’ve seen that we can’t count on the broadcasters: Take every opportunity you can to deliver your vision for small towns, for rural communities, for the areas that get passed over in the larger process in the debate tomorrow. 

Success in the general election will come through breaking down barriers and squeezing margins in those areas. You have done the work. You have strong plans. You are far better suited and better prepared to deliver a hopeful economic message to these communities than the president is. Show that to the country. 

David Binder Research conducted two focus groups among Iowa voters from Polk County and surrounding areas and one focus group with Iowa voters exclusively from rural areas and small towns outside of Polk County, on August 13 and 14, 2019. The participants in these groups all voted for Donald Trump in 2016, most voted for Obama in 2012, and all are undecided about their vote choice in 2020.

In a projective exercise, focus group respondents were asked to compare the President to an attraction at the Iowa State Fair, which was in progress at the time the focus group sessions were held.

Some of these voters compared the President to the Midway, explaining that the numerous rides and attractions were busy and distracting, which are associated with the President.

A few voters stated that the police presence at the Fair reminded them of the President, because he is a strong supporter of law enforcement and the military.

However, the most consistent answer – mentioned in every group – was that the President reminded them of Bobo the insult clown.   When asked to explain, voters said that the President’s constant tweeting in which he frequently criticizes or mocks those who oppose him, are not that different than Bobo shouting insults to random passers-by at the Fair. Despite voting for the President, and in some cases still strongly supportive of him, the image of a barking abrasive clown shouting at people, was an image associated with the President.

Similar comparisons were heard in the run-up to the 2016 election, when some said that President Trump reminded them of a carnival barker. However, that didn’t stop these voters from choosing Trump, whom they felt represented change to a much greater degree than the alternative, Hillary Clinton. To them, change was more important than personality or style.

At this point in the Presidential campaign, Democrats may again be tempted to focus solely on Trump’s personality or behavior on Twitter, but in-depth discussions with these focus group respondents indicate that that alone will not cause previous Trump voters to select a Democrat in the 2020 election campaign.

While voters are quick to say that the President needs a filter, or needs to think further before he speaks, they accept this as part of who he is.  What makes a bigger difference to these Trump voters is if they believe he is on their side, or whether he more frequently working on behalf of the wealthy, big corporations and special interests.

In these sessions, some of the biggest complaints about the President surrounded his trade policies which are viewed as hurting Iowa farmers and Iowa’s agricultural industry. They bristle when they hear that the President’s EPA has granted waivers for big oil companies so that they can circumvent regulations requiring use of ethanol.  They show high level of concern that the President cares more about oil companies than ethanol producers and corn growers. 

Results of these focus group sessions indicate that Democrats need to give voters a reason to choose them, and prove that they have a vision for change and will put people first – ahead of the oil companies and wealthy special interests that the President is focused on. Democrats must show them an economic plan that realistically encompasses their rural communities and industries – demonstrate that people like them will be better off.

While these Trump voters certainly don’t want Bobo the Clown as President, they are likely to vote to re-elect the President unless they hear in convincing terms that Democrats are offering something different, including a positive vision of the future where they vigorously will fight on behalf of the average American.

Methodology

Hello there!

Former Iowa Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Agriculture (and yearly fair-goer) Patty Judge here. As you know, we’re less than a week away from the exciting two weeks of the Iowa State Fair. While that’s not quite enough time to do all there is to enjoy at the fair, you should be able to check a few boxes on a list I’ve created for you. As a lifelong Iowa State Fair goer, I take my job of showing our fair to all my friends from near and far very seriously. So, I have compiled a quick guide to get you started on your Iowa State Fair adventure!

First of all – fair food! The fair provides many excellent choices, and a corn dog first thing is a great way to kick things off. They are pretty good and you will have fulfilled your obligation to the Mighty Dog. Move on to cheese curds (my personal favorite), hot chocolate chip cookies, lemonade shake ups, hot beef sundaes, pork chops on a stick, and mini donuts (also a favorite). I have many more suggestions – turkey legs, roast lamb sandwiches, apple slices with hot caramel, wonder bars, grinders and gizmos are just a handful.

Check out the iconic Butter Cow in the Ag building. Now that you have paid homage to it, take a look at the veggies and flowers on display in the building and visit the bee keepers booth upstairs. More to eat here too…. Free hard-boiled egg on a stick, delicious ice cream and strawberry short cake.

Cattle shows in the old livestock pavilion are almost always going on. I love watching them.

Stop to see the Budweiser Clydesdales. They are not always at the fair, but this year we are in luck. It’s a thrill to see these hitches prancing down Grand Avenue as they deliver Bud to the beer tents. Once, I got to scoop-the-loop on the hitch as they made their ceremonial deliveries!

Take a look at the Biggest Boar and the Biggest Bull – catch the contest if you can!

Walk through the Horse Barn to see more of beautiful horses on the way to the Jacobsen Building and watch a show.

Head over to the Varied Industries Building and walk through the aisles. Sign up for free things, collect samples and enjoy the air conditioning.
Cross the street to the Department of Natural Resources Building to look at fish, snakes and other critters native to Iowa.

Take a jaunt on Ye Olde Mill and a ride down the Giant Slide.

Stop in the Cultural Building and look at the beautiful displays. Maybe take an art class yourself. Inside you can view some of the best Iowa photography there is to see.

Visit the Old Barn on the Hill, A.K.A. Pioneer Hall, and watch great contests like Iowa’s Best Banjo Player, and the Husband Calling contest.

Take advantage of the constant free entertainment on the various stages or treat yourself to a ticketed event in the Grand Stand. Iowa band Slipknot is coming home to play the Fair this year.

Visit the Fair Museum and learn some fascinating history, like the Great Train Wreck, and the Best Baby contests.

Ride the sky glider, visit the midway, drink a beer, enjoy life.

I know I have left out some great events. I camp with my family in the campgrounds at the top of the hill. We NEVER run out of things to do! Stop and see me, the beer and soda are always cold.

Sincerely,
Patty Judge