Data Centers, Tariffs, and the Fight for Rural Votes

Data Centers, Tariffs, and the Fight for Rural Votes

Author: The One Country Project July 23, 2026 Duration: 42:46

Data centers are showing up in rural counties across the country, and not everyone is happy about it. Isaac Wright, a strategist who's spent two decades working rural campaigns, joins Heidi and Joel to talk about why that is, what tariffs have cost farmers selling to Brazil and China, and why he sees real opportunity for Democrats in Iowa and Ohio in the midterms.

Isaac explains why rural voters respond to authenticity and local trust over national talking points, and what Rob Sand's win in Iowa says about how to build that trust. He also gets into AI regulation, and what it would look like for policy to actually reflect the values Democrats say they hold.

In this episode:

  • Why Iowa and Ohio look like real opportunities this cycle
  • Data centers: local jobs versus strain on water and power
  • What tariffs on Brazil and China have cost farmers
  • Building trust and likability in rural races
  • What it actually means to "localize" a campaign

Connect with Isaac Wright:

Isaac makes a clear case for what it takes to win back rural voters, one county at a time.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

  • (00:00) - - Introduction
  • (02:14) - - Isaac Wright's background in rural strategy
  • (04:01) - - Midterm outlook: gains and voter disillusionment
  • (06:04) - - Key races in Iowa and Ohio
  • (09:23) - - Values and local issues in rural campaigns
  • (15:07) - - Trust and likability in rural elections
  • (18:09) - - Data centers: opportunities and community concerns
  • (26:39) - - Messaging on tariffs and trade
  • (34:05) - - Short-term realignment and national politics
  • (39:16) - - Closing thoughts: the long-term opportunity for Democrats

Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. Senator, and her brother Joel, a longtime Midwest radio host, bring a unique perspective to the table in their podcast The Hot Dish. Their dynamic is the engine here-a blend of deep policy knowledge from the halls of Congress and grounded, everyday insight from community radio, all filtered through the familiar and often humorous lens of sibling debate. They sit down with a range of guests, from national newsmakers and elected officials to local policymakers, focusing squarely on the ideas and actions that impact rural communities across America. These aren't dry lectures; they're animated discussions that dig into practical solutions for real challenges, from economic opportunities to infrastructure. Produced by The One Country Project, the conversation on this podcast is as informative as it is engaging, often punctuated by the kind of lively back-and-forth that only a brother and sister can provide. You'll come for the insightful analysis on politics and news, but you'll stay for the authentic and enlightening dialogue that makes complex issues relatable. Each episode serves up a hearty mix of substance and personality, offering listeners a fresh take on the stories that shape the heart of the country.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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