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ROCK HALL, Md. When Dave Harden decided to run for Congress as a Democrat on Marylands conservative Eastern Shore, a friend gave him a piece of free advice.

Democrats lose on three things: abortion, guns and regulations, the friend said. If you keep one, you have to give up the other two.

Abortion and gun rights have both inspired passionate activism and countless front-page news articles. Regulations not so much. Yet nitpicky government rules remain a potent and underappreciated source of populist anger against Democrats, especially in rural areas.

On the campaign trail, Mr. Harden has gotten an earful from voters about maddening and arbitrary restrictions: Why are wineries in Maryland limited to serving only 13 kinds of food? Why does a woman who sells her grandmothers cobbler have to cough up tens of thousands of dollars to build a commercial kitchen? Why does a federal inspector have to be on hand to watch wild catfish get gutted but not other kinds of seafood? The short answer is that restaurant associations tend to wield more political clout than wineries, and catfish farmers in Mississippi are more powerful than seafood harvesters in Maryland. Big businesses can afford to hire lawyers to help them cut through red tape and lobbyists to bend government rules to their will. Small businesses, especially in rural places, get slammed.

The claim of overregulation is especially animating on the political right, Joshua Sewell of Taxpayers for Common Sense told me. He said misleading rumors that the Environmental Protection Agency planned to regulate farm dust or that President Bidens Build Back Better plan would have taxed belching cows played right into the stereotype of Democrats as city folk who were infuriatingly eager to regulate almost anything in rural America.

In 2006, Democrats and Republicans had similar views on government regulation of business: About 40 percent of Republicans said there was too much, compared to about 36 percent of Democrats. But the percentage of Republicans who felt that way climbed steadily under President Barack Obama, who enacted more economically significant rules than his predecessors. By the end of his first term, 84 percent of Republicans thought that government meddled too much in business, while only 22 percent of Democrats agreed, according to Gallup. Democrats were more likely to say that the government doesnt regulate businesses enough.

With business owners more likely to be Republicans and government workers more likely to be Democrats, you have the makings of a yawning partisan divide. Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to remove two rules for every new one that was put in place.

Mr. Harden must first win a July 19 primary against Heather Mizeur, a progressive herb farmer who once represented Montgomery County, a much more urban area, in the state legislature. Ms. Mizeur has more money and name recognition than Mr. Harden, but he believes he has a chance because she seems out of step with the conservative district, which is considered a safe Republican seat.

Mr. Harden is trying to chart an alternative path for Democrats in rural areas. Hes no fan of Donald Trump. He left a 22-year career in the Foreign Service in 2018 because he didnt want to serve the Trump administration. But when it comes to regulations, Mr. Harden doesnt sound all that much different from Mr. Trump.

The regulations in rural economies are ridiculous, he told me.

Mr. Harden is trying to walk a difficult line, appealing to voters who are angry about government overreach without turning off the Democratic base. He says he doesnt oppose reasonable environmental regulations, but he rails against rules that make it harder for small businesses to survive.

Its a message that comes naturally to him. He spent years trying to improve the business environments in Iraq and the Palestinian territories as a senior U.S.A.I.D. official. He led a program in the West Bank town of Jenin that opened up a border crossing with Israel and prevailed on the Israeli government to allow more Israeli cars into Jenin so that Israeli Arabs could shop there, helping to start an economic revival.

Mr. Harden is now trying to bring those lessons home to Maryland, where he grew up. On a recent Saturday, he squinted out at Chesapeake Bay, riffing about how to promote local economic development with Capt. Rob Newberry, the head of the Delmarva Fisheries Association, which represents licensed watermen in the area. Captain Newberry is a Republican who once hung a sign cursing Joe Biden on his boat. But he supports Mr. Harden, who listens patiently to his complaints about regulations.

Captain Newberry represents people who harvest crabs, Marylands renowned cuisine, from the Chesapeake Bay, and he complains that excessive regulations are putting watermen like him out of business. He contends that the roughly 1,800 fishermen, clammers, crabbers and oystermen in his association are among the most highly regulated workers in the state.

When you get halfway to work and you pull up at a stoplight, does a policeman pull you over? he asked. When you get into work, does he come in and bother you two or three times and ask you what are you doing, do you have a license? That happens to me every time I go out on the harbor.

Captain Newberry has grievances with people across the political spectrum: with the environmentalists who lobby for more restrictions on the watermen; with the cities and companies responsible for faulty wastewater treatment systems and runoff that pollutes the bay; and with Mr. Harris, the incumbent.

He told me that Mr. Harris refused to speak out against a nonsensical regulation that stipulated that catfish had to be treated like meat under federal law. The rule, which advantages catfish farmers in states like Mississippi at the expense of foreign fish farmers and Maryland fishermen, requires federal inspectors to be on site when catfish get gutted, even though theres little evidence of a risk to public health.

The rule is so outrageous that the Government Accountability Office once called for it to be repealed. Yet it remains in place. When the watermen complained to their congressman, Mr. Harris arranged for the government to pay for the inspectors. But inspectors still have to be called in whenever a fisherman brings in catfish for processing. (Mr. Harriss office said hes still working on it.)

Captain Newberry says he has become disillusioned with the political sausage-making behind government rules. But he still works within the system to try to change them. He testifies before lawmakers and serves on committees, hoping that it will make a difference.

However, those same frustrations have led some other watermen to fall under the sway of the sovereign citizens movement, which preaches that the federal and state governments have no right to require licenses for hunting, driving or owning a gun. Some adherents believe that the local sheriff is the only legitimate authority under the Constitution. Beliefs about the illegitimacy of the federal government appeared to be at the root of an armed standoff between federal authorities and cattle ranchers in Nevada in 2014.

Marylands Eastern Shore hasnt seen anything like that, Somerset Countys sheriff, Ronald Howard, told me. But he said he has faced mounting pressure to defy state rules and allow watermen to harvest oysters from sanctuaries that have been declared off limits. He refused. I said, Look, if I interfere, thats obstruction of my duties; I can be charged criminally, he told me. I had one waterman tell me, Thats a chance youve got to take.

Sheriff Howard doesnt blame the watermen; he blames the rigid rules made by politicians who rarely take the time to listen to rural people. Thats where Dave Harden sees an opening for himself, however slim.

Democrats have to find a way to reconnect with rural America, Mr. Harden told me. Frank talk about regulations is a good place to start.

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Opinion | The Democrat Whos Flipping the Campaign Script - The New York Times

Republicans have a slightly better chance of winning Colorado's U.S. Senate seat this fall after construction company owner Joe O'Dea's win over state Rep. Ron Hanks in this week's primary, a national election analyst said Wednesday.

Roll Call CQ's Nathan L. Gonzales moved the race one step from "Solid Democrat" to "Likely Democrat," calling O'Dea a "credible challenger" to Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, who is seeking a third full term.

Democrats spent millions of dollars on TV advertising and mailers in a failed attempt to steer GOP primary voters toward Hanks, under the assumption that the Caon City Republican's hardline conservative views and belief that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election would disqualify Hanks in the fall election.

O'Dea prevailed with about 54% of the vote, setting up what Gonzales pegged as an opportunity for the GOP if the midterm election's climate continues to worsen for Democrats.

"Not only did Democrats not pull Hanks across the finish line, but ODea looks more moderate after Democratic spending that painted Hanks as the true conservative in the GOP race," Gonzales said.

He added that the race will be competitive even though Bennet starts the general election campaign "with the edge in a state Biden won by 13.5 points and gets to run on a ticket with popular Gov. Jared Polis."

This week's move still leaves Colorado two steps away from a toss-up on Roll Call's scale. Gonzales noted that the state's Senate race remains less up-for-grabs than Democratic-held Senate seats in Nevada, Georgia, Arizona and New Hampshire.

Republican-held Senate seats in in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Florida made Roll Call's initial list of Senate toss-ups this year, though Florida Republican Marco Rubio's reelection bid appears less likely to be as competitive as the others at this point.

Election forecasters peg the Colorado race as Bennet's to lose, with several classifying the contest as safely in the incumbent's corner.

In February, the Cook Political Report made the same call, moving the Colorado Senate race's rating from "Solid Democrat" to "Likely Democrat," citing the Democrats' difficult environment as a factor with a strong caveat that Colorado's status depended on whether Republicans nominated a formidable candidate.

At the time, O'Dea was one of five Republicans running for the nomination only he and Hanks made it to the primary ballot and he was listed among the candidates the site thought could give Bennet a serious challenge.

Calling Hanks "by far, the most disastrous nominee for Republicans," Cook added that O'Dea could prove to be a strong general election challenger for Bennet if he survived a primary shaping up to be a battle between the Trump-aligned and more traditional wings of the GOP.

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Election analyst shifts Colorado's US Senate race from 'solid' to 'likely' Democrat after O'Dea win - coloradopolitics.com

With U.S. democracy under siege by the GQP, it's understandable why this irate Democrat is lashing out, even against his own party. "I'm not going to shut up about this," TikToker Alex Pearlman says (see video below). "Because you can't yell at the Republicans. They're not going to change."

"We're stuck with them," he continues, visibly incensed. "You can't shame them, you can't convince them, you can't trick them, you can't fuckin' out-plan them but I can yell at the Democrat party."

And that he does, bashing millionaire politicians like Nancy Pelosi, Senator Mark Warner, and Rep. Don Beyer for their inability (so far) to stop the train wreck while continually asking for more campaign donations. "Stop fucking sending me emails. Stop sending me fucking texts. Stop fucking reading poems and singing goddamn karaoke!"

But this type of panic rant although cathartic on some level doesn't actually help the cause. Yes, it is frustrating to keep getting hit with fundraising requests while simultaneously getting hit with SCOTUS grenades on a daily basis, but turning on your own party leads to despair, which leads to inaction.

"We're the ones who are powerless," he says, telling politicians to get off their asses and do something or get out. But, while I feel his exasperation, we are not entirely powerless. We can protest, we can vote (for candidates who actually have a plan), and yes, we can donate to politicians we think are best suited to fight the fight. His anger is absolutely valid, but it might have more impact if redirected.

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Angry Democrat ranting against his own party is relatable but only helps the GQP (video) - Boing Boing

The countrys deadliest human smuggling operation ever recorded was uncovered earlier this week, with more than 50 migrants found dead inside an abandoned 18-wheeler in San Antonio.

The tragedy quickly reignited the debate over the border and immigration.

Republicans quickly pointed fingers at the White Houses policies. Supporters of President Biden suggested the deadly incident was proof their border security approach was working.

One Democrat who disagrees with how the Biden Administration is handling the border is Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX).

Rep. Cuellar joined host Lisa Brady on the FOX News Rundown earlier this week to give his take on what he believes is going wrong on the southern border and how those problems can be addressed.

The Texas Democrat also weighed in on the politics of the issue and how voters are becoming increasingly concerned about the surge of migrants coming into the country. He warned his party and the White House to change course and take action.

Due to time limitations, we could not include all of the conversation within our original segment. On the FOX News Rundown Extra, you will hear the entire discussion with Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and get even more of his unique take on the border crisis.

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Why A Texas Democrat Is Warning His Party About The Border Issue - FOX News Radio

Joe Bidens universal name ID helped him win the Democratic nomination in 2020.

Voters wanted someone battle-tested and experienced, a familiar face to take on Donald Trump. He reminded Americans he had been in the White House before, knew his way around and could thrive in the highest office on his own.

Biden says he plans to run for reelection in 2024, but there are some doubts given his age and his low approval numbers.

Democrats are bracing for a beating in this years midterm elections, and there are plenty in the party who think Biden might decide not to run for reelection, despite his past statements.

Most of the speculation on alternative Democratic candidates to Biden has been centered on Vice President Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and two senators who also were in the 2020 Democratic primary, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

But those five bold-faced names are far from the only possible contenders.

Here are five under-the-radar Democrats who could run if Biden steps aside.

The popular Ohio senators name comes up readily each time Democrats are looking for a candidate who isnt one of the main contenders like Harris or Buttigieg. He appeals to both progressives and moderates in a much-coveted traditional swing state that has been important to both parties.

When we talk about new faces and fresh blood, and what it means to be a Democrat in the traditional sense, he checks all the boxes, said one prominent Democratic strategist who has worked on recent presidential elections. The only thing he really lacks is name recognition.

Another party strategist said Brown has figured out the secret sauce in winning a tough state like Ohio, which has been trending toward the GOP.

Brown briefly dipped his toes in the water during the 2020 presidential race and surprised some Democrats by taking his name out of contention almost immediately. But those voices are quick to point out that Brown faces a big obstacle in 2024: Hes running for reelection.

Democrats across the ideological spectrum have long wanted Abrams, Georgias former state House minority leader and current Democratic gubernatorial nominee, to run for higher office, particularly after her meteoric rise in the party.

Best known for her prolific work on democracy reform after narrowly losing to current GOP Gov. Brian Kemp, Abrams was high on Bidens vice presidential shortlist before she announced a second gubernatorial run. That rematch against Kemp is one of the most anticipated of the cycle.

Absent a voting rights bill that many Democrats wanted passed during Bidens first term, the 48-year-old Yale Law School graduate has openly pushed for similar reforms across her state, hoping to set an example of what can be possible at the national level. That work was praised by everyone from Biden to prominent celebrities and even Trumps own niece, Mary Trump, as well as activists who consider Abrams an ally in their push for equitable access to the ballot box.

But as a strategist put it, Shes going to have to win a race first.

Khanna is the most overtly progressive name on the list. He co-chaired Sanderss last presidential campaign and considers him a close friend. He supports sweeping populist economic reform and has built a reputation as a foreign policy expert in Congress.

While he shares much of the ideology of the left, his fiercest supporters say Khanna has something that some other progressives lack: an eagerness to work with those who have opposing views within the party.

At just 45, hes more than three decades younger than Biden and Sanders, prompting some Democrats to speculate that Khanna could be a potential heir to the national progressive movement in search of a new leader.

Ro has an optimistic vision for the future of the Democratic Party and a strong economic message on American production and jobs that resonates with voters across the country, a source close to Khanna told The Hill. The 2024 race has to be focused on who can beat Donald Trump if he runs, but after that I think there will be the space and desire for new leaders like Ro.

The path to the presidency famously runs through governors mansions, and Democrats looking for glimmers of hope say thats where most of the action will be in the midterms, including in swing-state Michigan.

Whitmer, whos up for a second term in the fall, declined to discuss her potential 2024 prospects in an interview withNBC Newsthis week, maintaining that shes focused on improving conditions in her state and keeping her current position. Polls indicate she ison track to win.

She even went as far as to say she would offer Biden her support if he decided to seek the White House again. But the big question, of course, is if. Democrats haveraised more concernsrecently about Bidens age, leading some to urge him to step aside for a younger candidate to compete, placing Whitmer, 50, in the mix.

Like Abrams, Whitmer got serious consideration during Bidens vice presidential search, with some in his inner circle angling for her to be chosen.

He really identified with her, said one Biden ally. I think he came really close to choosing her.

She became more widely known for implementing pragmatic safety measures during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, but has also been a favorite target of her states Republicans, who still maintain Trump won the presidential election over Biden and are eager to take her out of office.

The former New Orleans mayor rose to prominence when, in 2017, one year after Trump reclaimed the Oval Office, he called for the longest standing Confederate monuments to be taken down in Louisiana.

In an impassioned speech, Landrieu illustrated diversity as the nations strongest unifier amid times of turmoil.

In the second decade of the 21st century, asking African Americans or anyone else to drive by property that they own occupied by reverential statues of men who fought to destroy the country and deny that persons humanity seems perverse and absurd, he said.

Democrats have since seen the former mayor, who worked as a senior administration adviser during the bipartisan infrastructure negotiations, as able to bring together new groups of voters.

Mitch Landrieu is the only candidate in my mind that can rebuild the Obama coalition from 2008, said Michael Starr Hopkins, a Democratic operative who worked on a primary campaign in the last presidential cycle. His appeal to African Americans as well as white Southerners is a rare skill. Hes built relationships, much in the way Joe Biden did.

Updated at 7:07 a.m.

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Five under-the-radar Democrats who could run for president in 2024 - The Hill