In the upcoming 2024 presidential election, Pennsylvania is emerging as a critical swing state with its 19 electoral votes in play for both major candidates. This is due to the state’s pivotal role in the 2016 election, where it swung to former President Donald Trump, and again in the 2020 election when it went to President Joe Biden. Pennsylvania carries more electoral votes than any other swing state, with its closest competitors being North Carolina and Georgia, each having 16 electoral votes.
The Epoch Times recently interviewed several voters across eastern and southern Pennsylvania, as well as the outskirts of Philadelphia. Many expressed frustration with the current political climate and dissatisfaction with both major candidates. Susan Diehl, a gas station employee in Newburg, described feeling that politicians lie just to get elected.
There were mixed signs of support for both Trump and his Democratic opponent. Some independent voters expressed concerns about Trump’s communication style, which they viewed as too abrasive. Dave Brueggeman, a 60-year-old Army veteran from York, has not yet decided whom to vote for, saying he was initially planning on voting for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate who recently dropped out and endorsed Trump.
Lawrence Clark, a lifelong Democrat from Mt. Wolf, stated that he won’t be voting for Kamala Harris and praised Trump’s First Step Act, which allowed inmates to reduce their sentence by accumulating “good behavior” credits. Marco Ceo, a 45-year-old from eastern Pennsylvania, said he was leaning towards voting for Harris but expressed ambivalence about her executive experience compared to Trump’s.
Some voters expressed more open support for Harris, citing their motivation to vote against Trump rather than a preference for the vice president. Others, like Mikki Breitmos, a former labor union Democrat who switched to the Republican party 18 years ago, said they believe Trump is more of a businessman than a politician and praised his relationship with veterans.
Overall, the diverse opinions of Pennsylvania’s voters indicate that the state remains highly competitive in the race for the presidency. With so much at stake, both major candidates will likely need to focus on winning over undecided swing voters like those in this crucial state.
