Overheard a Republican in my local Subway today

[Beautiful Disaster]

65. Trump would not have won Michigan in 2016 if he had similar rural numbers as Romney did in 2012.

This really isn't up for debate. The only reason Republicans are viable in these states is because they get overwhelming numbers in rural areas - so overwhelming that it makes up for the blowouts in urban areas. And if they don't get those numbers, they can't win. See: Gretchen Whitmer and her blowout election win in November.

If you removed rural voters from the equation, Trump and Republicans would have a very difficult time winning elections. This is not debatable. There is literally no argument you're making that changes this. Because of that, yes - it's a rural problem. None of what you say is going to change that.

Trump would not win Michigan, or even be competitive in Michigan, if only the urban counties were allowed to vote - and because of that, your illogical argument that this is an urban problem doesn't wash. It's a fact. That's all I am going to say on this matter because I am spinning the wheels here. Trump and Republicans could not win, or have a prayer, if there was no rural votes. You can't say otherwise, therefore it is a rural problem. Point made. Have a good one.