Things change.
A century ago, the stronghold of socialism was in Oklahoma. Before that, it was Kansas.
I think reaching out to the rural communities is essential. A lot of them are drowning in many aspects and the policy of most politicians is to leave it untouched. As economic opportunities in these downs dwindle from little to none, we're going to see dramatic changes. I think we're already seeing it in a lot of places. Living in Iowa, it seems like whenever industries closed up shop, meth labs went right in. Although I am glad that meth labs are starting to decrease in number there, it is still a big issue. I have personally seen towns that have been destroyed due to it.
The GOP essentially relies on the fact that the Democrats will focus more on urban issues and let the rural issues be handed to the GOP. I would like to see the return of social policy that affects all Americans, not just people in cities. Few Democrats have done enough to convince rural communities that they are worth voting for. At best, their support is half assed, making it easy for the GOP to clean up with blue collar workers and rural communities.
Although it is getting to the point where people are more concerned about living paycheck to paycheck rather than guns and abortion. Financial needs are quickly trumping GOP issues. Obama's idea of unity is treading into uncertain waters as things have been this way since the Southern strategy of 1968. Which is why I support Obama, who is at least making the effort to reach to more voters than in the past, where Democrats just relied on coastal states, swing states, and let the GOP have the rest.
