I think the more important point is that Appalachian is kinda short hand for rural people from that region, who are poor in considerably higher numbers. Pittsbu

I think the more important point is that Appalachian is kinda short hand for rural people from that region, who are poor in considerably higher numbers. Pittsburgh and Birmingham are Appalachian, but politicians aren't referring to the Pittsburgh Google office when talking about Appalachia... (I agree w you, but If we're being pedantic, it's possible to be "the worst" and still not that much different from average...)