Good afternoon,
It appears that <a href='[link removed]'>hot microphones and a no-audience policy</a> are back for the vice-presidential face-off between Senator JD Vance of Ohio and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota. By winning a coin toss, Vance will have the last word in closing statements. With Election Day only a little more than a month away and <a href='[link removed]'>polls showing a very tight race</a>, the pressure is on for the VP candidates to perform well, make a case for their ticket, and persuade the shrinking number of undecided voters who will ultimately determine the outcome of this election.
Here are a few important updates in rural America ...
FAILING ON THE FARM BILL FRONT
For far too long, nutrition programs have been a <a href='[link removed]'>political football.</a> Sadly, while Congress was in last week, they failed to pass a Farm Bill. Several programs including agricultural loans and food assistance technically had the expiration date of September 30. While funding will not run out until December now, many lawmakers are still skeptical that Congress can pass a Farm Bill by then.
Several people have called for Congress to pass a farm bill before the end of the year, including the <a href='[link removed]'>New Democrat Coalition</a>. One Country Project has always been supportive of a Farm Bill that strengthens food assistance and puts farmers first, providing them with the support they need to thrive. Lawmakers need to get to work for the rural Americans that keep our rural economies running; the clock is ticking.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN THE VICE-PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
Ahead of tonight's vice-presidential debate, the two candidates were busy preparing with other politicians playing their opponents. Minnesota Republican <a href='[link removed]'>Rep. Tom Emmer played Tim Walz</a> during Vance's debate prep while Transportation Secretary <a href='[link removed]'>Pete Buttigieg played Vance</a> for Walz. The debate offers Walz the opportunity to differentiate and highlight Vice President Kamala Harris' vision for the country in comparison to former President Donald Trump's. Walz will likely '<a href='[link removed]'>use his 'regular guy' reputation to try to appeal to voters</a>' and question Vance's Midwestern credentials. It will be interesting to see how Vance responds to Walz and if he keeps his cool.
Typically, <a href='[link removed]'>running mates do not determine presidential elections</a>. However, this election is proving to look much different. Rural Americans will surely be interested in the showdown between Vance and Walz given their similar backgrounds as military veterans from Midwestern states yet drastically different public personalities. On the campaign trail, both candidates have largely focused on the working class. Buckle up for an interesting showdown – we'll finally get to see if all that debate prep really paid off.
LOOKING AHEAD
The <a href='[link removed]'>first debate in Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race</a> will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Early this morning, U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast dockworkers <a href='[link removed]'>began a strike</a>, stopping the flow of nearly half the nation's ocean after negotiations for a new labor contract broke down over wages. This is an important event to follow as the strikes could cost the economy an estimated $5 billion a day.
Be sure to follow the One Country Project on <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Twitter</a> and <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Facebook</a>, and listen to <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>The Hot Dish</a> podcast.
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