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Lt. Governor Ralph Northam gives, Ashton Gardner, from Coborn, Virginia, a neurological examination during Remote Area Medical clinic, July 22, 2017, in Wise, Virgina. Raymond Thompson Jr. / for NBC News

But Brock, a former TV star as co-host of "Wild Kingdom" who at 80 still looks camera-ready, wants every politician to see the failures of the countrys healthcare system with their own eyes.

"Im actually convinced that if President Trump were to come to one of these big events, he would say to himself, 'Wow, I should do something about this,' " Brock said. "Theyre all cheering for him now, but theyre all expecting something to change for the better. And its not, for now, at least."

This was Northams fifth time volunteering at a free clinic, which he said gives him a chance to practice the field medicine skills he honed in the Army during the first Gulf War.

As he wound his way between open-air dentist chairs where people were getting their teeth pulled, doctors and nurses in scrubs kept coming up to greet "Dr. Northam." The patients didnt seem to notice or care about the VIP in their midst.

Its a two-and-half hour drive in any direction to the nearest county that went for Hillary Clinton last year. She didnt even crack 18 percent of the vote in Wise County, even though her husband won it twice 20 years ago.

Trump is still popular among many at the clinic, but there's also a deep cynicism about all of politics.

"Everyone says they'll help this area. No one ever does," said Aaron Breedlove, who recently moved over the border to Tennessee where the economy is a bit better.

"Theres no jobs, all the stores are shut down," said Crystal Phillips, pointing to the decline of the coal industry. "And they wonder why all the kids wind up on drugs or stealing."

Northam doesnt need southwest Virginia to win the state next year, but as a veteran from Virginias rural Eastern Shore who admitted to voting for George W. Bush, he thinks he can improve Democrats margins outside the states population centers.

"I feel like if anybody can get out and listen to these folks and let them know were here to help them, I can do that," he said. "Most people, especially parents, trust their pediatrician."

The rest is here:
They Voted Trump and Need Health Care. A Democrat-Doctor Volunteers - NBCNews.com