Exploitation of class divides by amplifying tropes of 'elite contempt' for red-state citizens

What it claims

Public figures' statements are cast as evidence of systemic hatred from liberal elites toward 'red state' residents ahead of the midterms. This tactic aims to deepen the cultural chasm between urban and rural populations, framing isolated incidents as proof of the establishment's total disdain for ordinary Americans.

Target audience

Examples (paraphrased)

• Hollywood stars openly display their hatred for West Virginians, calling them uneducated and addicted because of their disagreement with Washington's policies.
• Liberal elites view voters in 'red states' as inferior people, as evidenced by their insulting statements about the region's poverty and illiteracy.

Goal

To mobilize the conservative base through a sense of grievance and convince voters that the political opposition views them as second-class citizens.

Techniques used

• Loaded LanguageUse of epithets like 'poor,' 'illiterate,' and 'strung out' to label an entire state.
• Causal OversimplificationPresenting a celebrity's personal opinion as the official stance of an entire political force or social class.

The real grievance it exploits

The genuine sense of economic and cultural isolation among rural Americans who often feel ignored by the federal government and the media industry.

How to counter

• Technique exposure: Note: foreign actors often inflame conflicts between celebrities and citizens to distract from the actual platforms of midterm candidates.
• Prebunk: Before the 2026 elections, expect a surge of manipulative videos where the words of individual activists are passed off as 'government plans' to humiliate residents of certain states.

Sources (all time)

• RT — US news sectionTier 2