" To win in 2020, a Democratic nominee will need to win back voters in key Midwestern states who supported Trump in 2016. "
- Max Boot

In simple terms, Max Boot's statement suggests that for a Democratic candidate to secure victory in the 2020 election, they must attract and retain voters from crucial Midwestern states who previously supported Donald Trump in 2016. These Midwestern states played a pivotal role in swinging the electoral map towards Trump four years earlier due to their large number of electoral votes.

The deeper meaning of Boot's quote delves into the strategic importance of certain regions within U.S. politics and how political parties must adapt to changing voter preferences to win elections. By focusing on reclaiming voters from states that were once a Republican stronghold, Democrats are acknowledging the necessity of appealing to a broader spectrum of American voters, including those who may have felt disillusioned with Democratic policies in recent years. This approach underscores the complexity of contemporary U.S. politics and highlights the need for candidates to understand regional issues and voter concerns beyond traditional party lines.

Max Boot is an influential commentator on international relations and U.S. foreign policy. He serves as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and has written extensively on military affairs, democracy, and political strategy. His insights are often cited in discussions about American electoral politics due to his extensive knowledge of both domestic and global issues.