MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” stirred controversy by featuring authors Paul Waldman and Tom Schaller, who launched into a scathing critique of rural white voters in their new book, “White Rural Rage: The Threat To American Democracy.”

Schaller, a professor at the University of Maryland, didn’t hold back, labeling rural white voters as “the most racist, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-gay, geodemographic group in the country.”

He accused them of harboring “anti-democratic sentiments,” subscribing to conspiracy theories like QAnon, and even justifying violence as an acceptable means of discourse.

“Why are white rural voters a threat to democracy at this point?” co-host Mika Brzezinski asked, setting the stage for Schaller’s incendiary remarks.

Schaller’s response was a litany of accusations, painting rural white voters as the epitome of everything wrong with America. “They’re the most conspiracist group. QAnon support and subscribers, election denialism, COVID denialism and scientific skepticism, Obama birtherism,” he asserted.

He went on to claim they have a high percentage of “white nationalists and Christian nationalists” and are prone to excusing violence.

The discussion quickly turned into a platform for Schaller’s anti-white tirade, with little pushback from the hosts. By the end, it was clear that the authors had a clear agenda: to demonize rural white voters as a grave threat to democracy.

While it’s important to address issues of racism, conspiracy theories, and anti-democratic sentiments wherever they exist, vilifying an entire demographic only serves to deepen divides. Constructive dialogue and understanding are essential for progress, not sweeping generalizations and inflammatory rhetoric.