“In this utterly absorbing, important work, Shepherd explains why rural White voters support Republican politicians whose policies harm them. Although rural voters have attracted a great deal of attention from sociologists, journalists, economists, and political scientists in recent years, Shepherd offers the most well-developed theory and certainly the most comprehensive empirical analysis of White rural attitudes and voting behavior. In the process, he not only demolishes existing explanations but also helps us understand the nature of American politics in the present era. A masterclass in making the most out of available data and a true tour-de-force.”

Andrea Louise Campbell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"In this brilliant, revelatory book, Michael Shepherd explains why America’s rural electorate sides with Republicans even as they peddle deadly medicine. Rural pain may be Republicans’ gain, but it is American democracy’s loss."

Jacob S. Hacker, Yale University

“Optimists about democracy like to believe it will produce a virtuous circle: elected officials strive to govern well because voters will reward them for doing so. In this brilliant and troubling book, Michael Shepherd explores a different scenario: in an age of political distrust politicians can win by running against government, and when their own policies make things worse the voters reward them. A vicious circle supplants a virtuous one. All who care about the vitality of American democracy would do well to confront Shepherd’s sobering analysis.”

Paul Pierson, author of "Partisan Nation: The Dangerous New Logic of American Politics in a Nationalized Era"