How Presidential Politics 'Hurts Cities'

In this video clip, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown discusses how presidential politics are unduly influenced by rural power, at the expense of the interests of cities.

1 minute read

January 4, 2008, 8:00 AM PST

By Michael Dudley


Does it matter that the presidential nominating process is dominated by rural states? Does it affect the way urban issues are discussed on the campaign trail? Mayor Byron Brown thinks so.

"The nomination process certainly has a negative effect on the coverage of cities," says the first African-American mayor of Buffalo, NY. "While presidential candidates are raising substantial amounts of money in cities, they are spending it in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina ... It disproportionately puts the focus on [rural] areas of the country where the majority of our citizenry do not live."

It's a sensible, almost self-evident point. Mayor Brown also called out a race / class dynamic that shapes the way presidential candidates talk about cities. To many Americans, "urban" is code for poor people and minorities -- not often popular topics in the heartland.

"If you look at the riots that took place in the 60s, and the flight from our cities, since that time urban issues have definitely become synonymous with poverty, with minorities," Mayor Brown said. "That has negatively shaped how urban issues are discussed, debated and looked at in this country."

Wednesday, January 2, 2008 in AlterNet

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

1 hour ago - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

45 minutes ago - Inc.

View from back of woman and child walking on London street wearing warm clothes with a black cab visible in background.

Study: Large SUVs Double Risk of Death for Children Under 10

New research from the United Kingdom reveals the higher risk of larger vehicles for pedestrians and cyclists.

2 hours ago - The Standard

Housing construction in Austin, Texas

Texas Bills Aim to Tackle Housing Affordability

One proposed bill would raise the threshold for neighbor opposition to new development.

3 hours ago - The Texas Tribune

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.