Wisconsin, and the country as a whole, may not be as divided as the political maps suggest. While many rural counties in Wisconsin voted for the Republican ticket in the 2024 election, journalist Sarah Smarsh cautioned against oversimplifying the politics of rural voters. She argues that these communities, often dismissed as “flyover country,” have diverse concerns that mirror those of urban and suburban voters.
Tamara Dean, a resident of western Wisconsin, experienced extreme weather events due to climate change and noted that in times of crisis, political affiliations become irrelevant as rural communities come together to help each other.
Dale Schultz, a former Republican state senator, has observed a shift in politics towards media power rather than people power. He believes that ignored constituents from both parties are expressing anger and calls for a return to a time when bipartisan conversations and solutions were possible.
Smarsh and Schultz both emphasize the need for understanding and caring for all sides of the political spectrum, as the country navigates through increasingly complex and contentious political landscapes. As Smarsh warned before the 2024 election, regardless of the outcome, there is still work to be done in bridging divides and addressing the needs of all communities.
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Photo credit wisconsinexaminer.com
