What to Look for in Tonight’s Debate
This evening in Westerville, Ohio, the Democratic candidates for president will face off in another single evening debate to cover a diverse set of issues that are top of mind for Democratic primary and caucus voters. Previous debates have touched on health care reform, tax policy, criminal justice reform, and foreign policy — all of which are crucial for our next President to be well-versed on. However, and unfortunately, for the millions of rural Americans, the One Country Project has noticed that previous debate performances have not adequately covered their concerns and unique perspectives — including on climate change.
In our recent poll conducted in partnership with Third Way we found the following:
· Rural voters believe climate change is real, and a plurality of those polled believe it is being caused by human activity.
· Rural voters do not trust Republicans, Democrats, or even President Trump to take their perspectives into consideration.
· Rural voters do not trust the federal government to battle climate change — they trust farmers and scientists more.
· Rural voters want action taken on climate change, but they want to implement solutions that create jobs, position the United States as a clean energy leader, and foster innovations we can export to the rest of the world.
So this evening, look to see if the Democratic candidates frame their climate dialogue in the following ways:
When the candidates discuss climate change, do they speak to the concerns of rural voters? Do they talk about the extreme weather impacting the Heartland?
These voters, our fellow Americans whose issues have been sidelined by President Trump, do not currently trust anyone to take their climate change concerns into account. If Democrats do not want to continue to be seen as out of step with rural voters on climate change, then the remaining Democratic candidates urgently need to talk about what rural voters are seeing and experiencing on a daily basis. Democratic candidates could start by addressing the extreme flooding in the Midwest and South, which affected approximately 14 million individuals — leaving farms and whole towns under feet of water and devastating agricultural and manufacturing communities. By showing their commitment to addressing the climate crisis, we can begin to change minds and prove to rural voters that Democrats are poised to address the changing climate for the entire nation.
When the candidates talk about climate change, do they only talk about the president and Congress’ roles in battling this issue? Or, do they talk about empowering local communities to solve for their unique concerns?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution or one slate of solutions that will solve climate change across the United States. Instead, Democratic candidates should discuss how they would work to empower Americans to innovate and lead in their communities to battle the crisis. Candidates should discuss how they would broaden the conversation, diversify the voices to speak on this issue, and allow those closest to the effects lead the way.
When the candidates provide potential solutions for climate change, do they just think globally? Or, do they talk about ways that rural Americans can act — and benefit — locally?
Rural voters feel the effects of climate change, and like many Americans are worried about how a changing climate could threaten their way of life. They favor action but are also concerned that going too far too fast is risky. If previous debates are any guide, we can expect Democratic candidates to talk about the need for an all-out mobilization or the type of sweeping change envisioned by the Green New Deal. But will they also talk about the ways that rural Americans can fight climate change on their own terms — by weatherizing, installing renewable generation, and rewarding farmers for responsible land use? They should discuss solutions that create new jobs, foster innovation, and position the United States as a global leader in clean energy while listening to rural voices.
