A pair\u200b of MSNBC panelists criticized “white rural voters<\/a>” as ignorant,\u200c conspiracy-driven individuals who pose a \u2063”threat to democracy.”<\/p>\n

Journalist Paul Waldman and University\u2062 of\u2062 Maryland professor Thomas\u200d Schaller appeared on MSNBC Monday <\/a>to discuss their new book, “White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy<\/a>,” with “Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brzezinski.<\/p>\n

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“We\u2062 outline the\u2063 interconnected\u2062 threat that white rural voters pose<\/a> to the country,” stated Schaller. “They \u2064are the most racist, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-gay group in the country.”<\/p>\n

“Additionally, \u200dthey are the most prone to conspiracy \u200btheories,” Schaller continued. “They support QAnon, deny election \u2062results, deny the existence of Covid, and question scientific evidence. They also perpetuated the Obama birtherism conspiracy.”<\/p>\n

“Furthermore, they hold\u200b anti-democratic sentiments,” Schaller \u200cadded. “They reject the idea of an \u2063independent press and free speech.\u200b They are more likely to believe that the president should have unchecked power without any oversight \u2062from Congress, the courts, or the bureaucracy. They also strongly identify with white nationalism and\u2063 white Christian nationalism.”<\/p>\n

Schaller didn’t stop there.\u2062 “Lastly,” he said, “they are\u2064 more likely to condone or justify violence as an acceptable alternative to peaceful\u200c public discourse.”<\/p>\n

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“You mentioned several negative aspects about this demographic,” \u2062responded Brzezinski. <\/p>\n

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This might be the most\u2062 overtly racist thing I’ve seen people say on TV… pic.twitter.com\/ucPnlupa0e<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Educat\u00ebdHillbilly\u2122 (@RobProvince) February\u2062 29,\u2063 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n