Big respect that you admit to being unsure in this "always100%certain"-environment.
To your first question:
The main reason the rural areas vote republicans is that the democrats have abandoned non-cityfolk. Not just the redstates but also rural areas in blue states. Their issues go unadressed, ignored, mocked so in their own best interest they vote for the other party (does happen in nearly all western societies; this is not an american.only issue).
The logic is easy to understand: Why care for small towns and villages if you can just control the big cities and with that the whole state.
The voices of slums and ghettos in the cities of the USA are MORE heard than the voices of rural areas that provide food to the nation.
BUT
I must say you should REALLY think about how you feel about the stupid and poor question. It will greatly decide your view on; if and how ghettos and slums can be safed.
