Solid article George Bohan.

The Democrats can't change local minds from Washington. It's like trying to win a war by air strikes alone with no troops on the ground.

Democrats retreated from the rural America to focus their resources on the coasts and in cities. This had a price. Unintentionally maybe, but Democrats had a hand in the dangerously divided America we are stuck with today. Those country folk felt abandoned, unloved if you like. Hence an abusive relationship with Republicans (and even a charlatan) was better than nothing.

This happened over a period of time. A populist showed up in the form of Donald Trump. He offered hope. False hope, but it didn't matter.

He then united them in grievance.

Many thanks.