Will ‘prairie populism’ defeat Republicans in the midterms?

Democrats and independents are intensifying their efforts to reclaim rural areas traditionally dominated by Republicans, with a focus on the Midwest as the midterm elections approach. Political correspondent Rachel Leingang highlights the emergence of "prairie populism," a movement rooted in agrarian anti-elitism that seeks to address the economic struggles of rural communities. This resurgence is seen as a response to the challenges faced by farmers and workers amid rising costs and corporate consolidation.

Candidates like Dan Osborne in Nebraska and Adam Hamilton in Kansas are adopting grassroots strategies, emphasizing direct engagement with voters in small towns. Osborne, an independent, aims to connect with constituents by visiting local businesses and discussing issues like healthcare and economic fairness. Hamilton, a pastor and Democratic candidate, positions himself as a local figure advocating for bipartisanship and accountability in government. Both candidates are tapping into widespread dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, focusing on affordability and accessibility.

In Iowa, Democrat Josh Turek is campaigning on similar themes, addressing local concerns such as rising cancer rates and the cost of living. As the elections draw near, the outcomes in these traditionally Republican strongholds could signal a shift in voter sentiment and offer lessons for the Democratic Party moving forward. The potential success of these candidates may encourage a broader strategy for future elections, emphasizing the importance of local engagement and addressing the economic needs of rural voters.

Adam Hamilton in Kansas, Dan Osborn in Nebraska, Joshua Turek in Iowa. They’re all hoping to flip ruby red states in the midterm elections next Tuesday. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Rachel Leingang about her reporting across the midwest, where she has charted the renaissance of progressive populism