Trump is flexing his muscles in the Midwest, is it working?

Peter Stauber takes the microphone next to President Donald Trump.
Peter Stauber takes the microphone next to President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally inside of Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minn. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. "I didn't know he was going to do this," Trump said as Stauber pulled out a speech.
Evan Frost | MPR News

President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have been in and out of the Midwest in recent months.

Trump was touting the achievements of the new Foxconn site in Wisconsin and was in Duluth, Minn. rallying for local Republicans.

What is the administration hoping to achieve with this focus on the Midwest?

Two guests answered that question with host Kerri Miller:

Kathryn Pearson is a professor at the University of Minnesota with an emphasis on American politics.

Aaron Brown is a political commentator and community college professor from northern Minnesota's Iron Range.

Use the audio player to listen to their discussion.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.