53 pages • 1 hour read
Tom Schaller, Paul WaldmanWhite Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2024A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Prologue-Chapter 1Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Prologue Summary: “Small Towns, Big Trouble”
Content Warning: This section includes discussions of political violence, racism, anti-Muslim and xenophobic sentiment, and addiction.
From the start, the book sets out to explore the deepening divide between rural and urban America, focusing on how rural white Americans perceive their place in the country’s political and social landscape. The Prologue sets the stage by discussing the cultural and political significance of Jason Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town” and its reception in rural America.
The song, which glorifies small-town values and vilifies urban life, became a lightning rod for controversy in 2023, sparking debates about rural versus urban values. Schaller and Waldman argue that this song’s popularity among rural white people is emblematic of a broader trend: Rural white Americans feel increasingly disenfranchised and resentful toward urban, liberal America. Conservative media and politicians stoke this resentment, using cultural symbols and rhetoric to rally rural voters.
The authors highlight that rural America’s grievances are not new but have intensified in recent years, particularly since Donald Trump’s rise to power in 2016. They contend that rural white people wield significant political power despite being a minority, a dynamic that has led to what they describe as “minority rule” in America. The disproportionate influence rural voters have in the Electoral College and the Senate reflects this power, often resulting in policy outcomes that do not align with the preferences of most Americans.
Schaller and Waldman point out that rural America’s struggles—economic decline, inadequate healthcare, and lack of opportunities—are often blamed on distant urban elites rather than the local and national politicians who hold power in these areas. This misdirection of blame serves to deepen rural anger and division, making it easier for conservative leaders to manipulate these voters for political gain.
The authors also discuss the historical context of rural white power in America, noting that this group has long enjoyed a privileged position, both politically and culturally. However, this status has been maintained through systemic inequalities and resistance to the pluralistic values that underpin American democracy. The glorification of rural white culture as the “real America” contributes to an environment where undemocratic behaviors and attitudes are more readily accepted and even celebrated.
Ultimately, the Prologue sets up the central thesis of the book: The political and cultural dynamics in rural America pose a significant threat to American democracy. Schaller and Waldman argue that unless rural white Americans recognize the true sources of their struggles and engage in constructive political action, the cycle of resentment and divisiveness will continue to undermine the country’s democratic foundations.
Chapter 1 Summary: “Essential Minority, Existential Threat”
Chapter 1 examines the political transformation of rural America, focusing on West Virginia as a case study. The chapter begins with a visit to Truman Chafin’s law office in Williamson, West Virginia. Chafin, a former Democratic majority leader of the state senate, represents a bygone era of local Democratic dominance. His unseating in 2014 marked a pivotal shift in West Virginia’s political landscape from Democratic to Republican control, highlighting a broader national trend of rural areas swinging toward the Republican Party (GOP).
The chapter explores the decline of the Democratic Party’s influence in rural areas, attributing it to various factors, including economic changes and strategic political shifts. The authors note that the Republican Party has not filled the organizational vacuum left by the Democrats but has nonetheless gained significant control. The increasing popularity of Donald Trump, whose promises to revive coal jobs resonated deeply despite a lack of tangible results, exemplifies this shift.
The historical context of Mingo County, known for the violent “Mine Wars” of the early 20th century, sets the stage for understanding the deep-rooted economic and social struggles in rural America. The New Deal era brought temporary prosperity and union strength, but technological advancements and political changes since the 1950s led to a significant decline in mining jobs and union power. The rise of conservative media and public relations campaigns like “Friends of Coal” have further influenced the political landscape, promoting a united front against perceived external threats.
The chapter argues that rural white Americans’ significant political power, despite being a minority, has led to a form of “minority rule” that distorts democratic outcomes. A combination of historical privileges, electoral mechanisms like the Electoral College, and the mythic status of rural America as the “real America” sustain this power. However, this political influence has not translated into material benefits for rural communities, which continue to suffer from economic decline, healthcare issues, and other social problems.
The authors emphasize that the emotional benefits rural voters receive from political victories, such as feeling represented and flattered by conservative rhetoric, are insufficient to address their real needs. The opioid crisis in West Virginia’s Mingo County, for example, illustrates the disconnect between political promises and tangible improvements. The chapter concludes that conservative rural white people’s unwavering support for the GOP, driven by cultural grievances and economic desperation, poses a significant threat to American democracy.
