'The brand is so toxic': Democrats fear extinction in rural U.S.

Feb 18, 20220

Keith Srakocic, Associated Press count

People get their orders at the counter of Michelle's Cafe along Main Street, in Clarion, Pa., Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. The Democratic Party's brand is so toxic in some parts of rural America that liberals are removing bumper stickers and refusing to acknowledge their party affiliation publicly.

SMETHPORT, Pa. - Some Democrats in rural Pennsylvania are afraid to tell you they're Democrats.

The party's brand is so toxic in the small towns 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh that some liberals have removed bumper stickers and yard signs and refuse to acknowledge publicly their party affiliation. These Democrats are used to being outnumbered by the local Republican majority, but as their numbers continue to dwindle, those who remain are feeling increasingly isolated and unwelcome in their own communities.

"The hatred for Democrats is just unbelievable," said Tim Holohan, an accountant based in rural McKean County who recently encouraged his daughter to get rid of a pro-Joe Biden bumper sticker. "I feel like we're on the run."

https://www.startribune.com/the-brand-is-so-toxic-dems-fear-extinction-in-rural-us/600147661/