U.S.THE INTERVIEW

Will Rural Voters Sit Out the Midterms?

The New York Times' Lisa Lerer visited a Calhan, Colorado, cattle auction to test whether economic worries are cooling rural support for Republicans; turnout could shape the midterms.

On air: Chip Darnell on Best of BBN
Published 5:19 AM ET, Sunday, October 18, 2026

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Chip Darnell on this story, from Best of BBN at 5:19 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The New York Times's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Will Rural Voters Sit Out the Midterms?”
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 5:19 AM ET on Best of BBN, by Chip Darnell.

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The New York TimesWill Rural Voters Sit Out the Midterms?

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe New York Times sent a political correspondent to a cattle auction in Calhan, Colorado, to ask if money worries are loosening rural voters' loyalty to the Republican Party.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorJoining us is Gordon Ibbotsen, executive director of Plains Turnout Partners. Gordon, are rural voters staying home?
Gordon IbbotsenNo. They're a rock-solid constituency, and we've never had to worry. I drove forty miles to an auction last week just to confirm it.

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