Thoughtful article Andrew Gaertner.

Republicans occupy generally the poorer half of the country -- the middle and rural. Over the years the Democrats abandoned these parts to focus their resources in places either where they could win or have a show.

So I put it to you that Republicans keep winning working class voters because there is so little local Democratic presence in these places. Ordinary folk adopt their views not by reading the New York Times or the Economist but by way of fellow church goers, local sports and small business clubs etc.

This should be a huge concern for Democrats. But I don't think they get it. They need to again invest in small places where people (certainly now) don't look like them. Places across the country where they are unlikely to win.

Messaging from Washington is not going to cut it. It's like trying to win a war through aerial bombardment alone -- with no troops on the ground. It's NOT going to work.

Many thanks. Very good.