Appalachian Democrats, Independents Seek New Direction

ASHEVILLE, N.C.—Left-leaning voters in the western parts of North Carolina and West Virginia rallied to Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-Vt.) “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” Aug. 8–10, with many looking for change and effective leadership. The tour comes at a time when the Democratic party appears to be yearning for a standard bearer, both to carry on the fight against President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda and deal with a growing rift between the moderate and progressive wings of the party. Many rally attendees voiced frustration with Trump’s policies, saying they fear a slide into authoritarianism. Others were more concerned with local needs that many Americans take for granted: access to clean drinking water, medical care, and sufficient internet service....