As I approached Omaha for the first time, all I could see from my descending aircraft were vast fields of corn stretching endlessly below me. The tassels were clearly visible too. I found myself pondering, where exactly is the city?

Certainly, there existed a city boasting a top-tier medical facility, renowned zoo, and vibrant nightlife. Traditional steakhouses coexisted with eateries serving Persian and Asian cuisine. For those familiar with sophisticated Omaha, it wouldn’t come as a shock that Joe Biden secured its congressional district in 2020 or that Kamala Harris carried the area in 2024.

Or that Omaha has just elected a Democrat, John Ewing Jr., replacing a three-term Republican mayor.

Similarly clear, Representative Don Bacon from Omaha serves as one of President Donald Trump’s most vocal critics within the Republican Party in Congress. Situated in what locals call Nebraska’s “east coast,” near the Missouri River, Omaha has traditionally had a politically mixed environment, often referred to as ‘purple.’ Under Trump, this trend leaned even more towards the Democratic side (‘bluer’). It’s worth noting that both Nebraska and Maine uniquely distribute their Electoral College votes based on individual congressional district outcomes.

Western Nebraska is primarily known for its cattle ranching and has a stronger lean towards libertarian views compared to the Bible Belt region. (The area around Scottsbluff, close to the Wyoming border, is nearly 500 miles away from Omaha.) We understand why certainDemocrats’ more extreme social policies—or those issues that conservatives tended to overexaggerate—might deter these voters.

The difficulty lies in comprehending why rural areas in Nebraska supported a candidate who advocated for policies likely to severely impact their economy negatively. Trump was transparent about his intentions for initiating a trade war, which poses an immediate threat to agricultural exports from the region.

Trump might have slightly retreated from his destructive tariffs on China, but these rates are still excessively high. This has led international purchasers of U.S. farm goods to seek alternative sources. Furthermore, this recent easing lasts just ninety days, indicating that the situation remains uncertain. Thus, the tension continues.

Furthermore, MAGA aims to reduce funding for Medicaid. This would lead to closures of rural hospitals since they heavily rely on this financial support. It’s hard to fathom undermining one’s self-interests unless driven by an intense aversion towards the opposing faction.

Political parties don’t matter so much in state and local races. Andy Beshear is the Democratic governor of decidedly red Kentucky. Deep-blue Vermont has a five-term Republican governor, Phil Scott. Democratic cities elect Republican mayors the people think can keep order and get the roads fixed.

But polarization has turned votes for national office into a more partisan affair. It’s hard to find a Republican able to withstand MAGA’s threats, which makes Bacon a unique and welcome presence in Washington. Trump easily won Nebraska’s two other congressional districts.

Bacon won Omaha’s district by fewer than two percentage points, although this area encompasses suburbs and certain rural regions. Why? The voter turnout in those western parts was comparatively low.

This leads us back to the recent mayoral election in Omaha. Does this have any national implications? As mentioned earlier, party affiliation isn’t as significant at the local level. However, the Republican candidate who was defeated, Jean Stothert, leaned towards moderation.

What would be significant in this race is the extent of turnout for Ewing. Was it Democrats burning to retaliate against MAGA? How many independents and disaffected Republicans joined them to voice their discontent?

The same can be asked about the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court race won by a liberal Democrat, despite the $25 million Elon Musk shoveled into the Republican’s campaign. Trump won Wisconsin by less than one percentage point of the popular vote.

Several Republicans in Congress are speaking out against Trump’s acceptance of a luxury jetliner from Qatar that will end up in his presidential library. It is not a gift to America. It is a $400 million gift to Trump.

Republicans should view these heartland developments as a serious political message. Some seem to, but what made them wait so long?

Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter @FromaHarrop. You can reach her at fharrop@gmail.com. For additional information about Froma Harrop and to read articles from other Big One News writers and cartoonists, check out the Big One News webpage.

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