The Left Behind

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What fuels rural America's outrage toward the federal government and their overwhelming support for Donald Trump? Beyond economic and demographic decline, a nuanced explanation for the rural-urban divide emerges through Robert Wuthnow's extensive research and interviews. He delves into small towns, farms, and rural communities to reveal the moral order—interactions, loyalties, obligations, and identities—that shape this vital segment of the nation. Understanding rural Americans' anger requires a deeper exploration of their culture. Wuthnow presents voices from farmers seeking government non-intervention, factory workers dedicated to supporting their families, town managers frustrated by federal unresponsiveness, and clergy concerned about a declining moral climate. He argues that rural discontent arises more from the perception of Washington as distant and threatening to the social fabric than from specific economic issues. Rural residents feel a lack of empathy from the government regarding small-town values like personal responsibility and cooperation. While these communities may not be as discriminatory as critics suggest, elements of racism and misogyny persist. By moving beyond simplistic portrayals, Wuthnow provides a clearer understanding of how this significant population will shape the nation’s political landscape.