Written by Joseph Barrett.

In a recent episode of his podcast, Hacks on Tap, former Obama senior adviser David Axelrod made some eyebrow-raising claims about Trump supporters in North Carolina, particularly those affected by Hurricane Helene. According to Axelrod, these individuals may be “too dumb” to vote in the upcoming November election. It’s a shocking statement that has left many questioning the judgment and fairness of someone who once worked in the White House.

Axelrod’s controversial comments centered on how liberal voters in Asheville, a small blue dot in a predominantly red state, would likely overcome the challenges caused by the storm. Meanwhile, rural Trump supporters, facing destroyed homes and devastated communities, wouldn’t be as resourceful or capable of voting.

The Asheville “Blue Dot” Voters: Liberal Elite vs. Rural Americans

Axelrod didn’t hold back on his opinion of Asheville voters, describing them as “upscale, liberal” types who would surely figure out how to vote despite the destruction. His implication? That liberals, somehow blessed with superior intellect and resourcefulness, will find a way to make it to the polls no matter what.

What’s troubling, though, is how Axelrod contrasted these voters with their rural counterparts. According to him, Trump supporters in North Carolina’s mountains—those hardest hit by the hurricane—are unlikely to be “wrangled” to the polls. The idea that a former senior adviser would suggest that some Americans, devastated by a natural disaster, might be “too dumb” to participate in the democratic process is, at best, insulting. At worst, it reflects a dangerous kind of elitism that fuels division.

This divide between urban, liberal voters and rural, conservative Americans has been growing for years, and comments like Axelrod’s only serve to deepen the gap. When one side is painted as more intelligent and capable, it creates resentment, and that’s exactly what Axelrod’s remarks have done.

Axelrod’s Misguided Assumptions: Rural Voters Aren’t Helpless

The reality of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in North Carolina is undeniable. Entire communities have been cut off due to catastrophic flooding, and as of Thursday, more than 70 people in the state were confirmed dead. With roads and bridges washed away, access to essential services has been limited, and hundreds of people remain missing. Yet, Axelrod’s comments seem to suggest that rural voters won’t find a way to vote because they aren’t smart enough.

But here’s the thing: rural Americans, including Trump supporters, have faced hardships before. From economic downturns to natural disasters, they’ve shown resilience and determination time and time again. The assumption that they lack the intelligence or capability to vote in the face of adversity is not only wrong, it’s downright condescending.

Axelrod’s statement doesn’t account for the strength and tenacity of these voters, many of whom take their civic duties seriously. If anything, the challenges they face will likely strengthen their resolve to vote, not diminish it.

Our Take

Axelrod’s comments reflect the elitist mentality often seen in politics today—a dangerous mindset where certain groups of Americans are dismissed as “less than” simply because of their political preferences or geographic location. This type of thinking only widens the cultural divide, making it harder for the country to heal and move forward.

If we continue to underestimate the resilience of rural voters, especially in times of crisis, we risk alienating a large portion of the population. Voting is a fundamental right, and every American, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity when it comes to participating in our democracy.