Biden, Trump intensify the campaign in the state of Pennsylvania

2024-05-24 17:26:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Pennsylvania is one of several US states that could have a decisive role in the outcome of the presidential election in November. As Voice of America correspondent Scott Stearns reports, the campaign teams of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are intensifying efforts to secure the right support for victory in this key state in the November 5 election.

Pennsylvania is a large, politically divided state that is considered a swing state in this year's election.

Michael Sances is a professor of political science at Temple University of Pennsylvania.

"The state voted for Mr. Trump in 2016 and for Mr. Biden in 2020. In both elections, the difference was 40,000 and 80,000 votes in a state with millions of voters. We are separated.”

Professor Sances says the top concerns of voters in Pennsylvania are the economy and immigration.

"Mr. Biden's supporters are trying to highlight the positive developments in the economy. This has not yet been accepted by the general public, who are very concerned about economic problems. "People are concerned about immigration and the southern border, even though Pennsylvania is far from the southern border of the country," he says.

Mr. Trump's Pennsylvania campaign team is attacking President Biden's border policies and his clean energy initiatives.

"Think about the issues we're facing right now, the problems on the southern border, the lack of energy independence, the rules for electric cars. Who wants to buy electric cars for the rest of their lives?" said Mr. Trump during a campaign rally.

Electric vehicles and Chinese imports are important issues in a state where union members are politically active and organized.

President Biden this month quadrupled import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, saying unfair competition is hurting American workers.

"I am determined that electric vehicles in the future will be made in America by union-backed workers," he said.

At a meeting of gun owners in Pennsylvania, Mr Trump criticized the character of his rival Joe Biden.

"Joe Biden is the worst, most incompetent and most corrupt president in the history of our country," he said.

Mr. Biden was born in the town of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and in the campaign he often emphasizes his ties to the working class of this state, portraying Mr. Trump as a man who "bows down to billionaires."

"We have all known such people. My vision for America is one of hope and opportunity. It's a look from Skranten, from working-class Americans like you," he said.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Pennsylvania this week, her fourth visit there this year.

"We believe in America's promise of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice, not just for a few, but for all."

She said Pennsylvania voters should not be fooled by Mr. Trump and his allies.

"At this moment, the extremists are trying to divide our country. We see them encouraging xenophobia and hatred," she said.

Mr Trump told voters in Pennsylvania that he will restore America's strong position in the world.

"We will bring the American force back to the country. Four years ago, we were respected all over the world. Today we are considered a joke. This will not last long," he said.

A poll by The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper this month shows Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump have nearly equal support in Pennsylvania, where Mr. Biden has lower support from young and black voters than four years ago. Both of these voter groups were essential in Mr. Biden's victory in this state in 2020./ VOA