Why have Democrats recently struggled to connect with working-class and rural voters – and what would it take to change that?Akilah Hughes talks with journalist John Russell about class politics in America, the rise of Trump, and the missed opportunities that reshaped the political landscape.Drawing on his reporting in Appalachia and across the country, Russell explains how economic frustration gets redirected into culture war battles, and why a focus on material issues could still unite voters across deep divides.They discuss: The Democratic Party's shift away from working class messaging. How Trump capitalized on that gap The real story behind “redneck” and labor history in Appalachia Why economic issues still resonate across political lines And whether change will come from within the system—or outside itLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices