How can Democrats win back rural voters?

As recently as a few decades ago, rural areas of the country were still a competitive voting block for Democrats. But today, counties that were once reliably blue are now solidly red, and the vast majority of leading Democrats in Illinois are based in the Chicago area.

Two former Democratic members of congress, who served in Illinois, join the 21st to analyze what happened and how Democrats can appeal to rural voters once again.

GUESTS

Cheri Bustos 
Partner at the public affairs and lobbying firm Mercury
Former Democratic congresswoman (Quad Cities and northwest Illinois, 2013–2023)

Glenn Poshard 
State Central Committeeman, 12th District (2023–present)
Former Democratic Congressman (southern Illinois, 1989–1999)
Democratic gubernatorial nominee 
Former president of the Southern Illinois University system 
Co-author: “Son of Illinois: Glenn Poshard’s Life in Politics and Education”