Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a significant challenge in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the 2024 election. With just six weeks until the election, Harris and former President Donald Trump are intensifying their campaigns in the state, but Harris is struggling to maintain momentum.
According to a recent analysis by Politico, Harris’ difficulties in Pennsylvania can be attributed to her stance on abortion and her disconnect with the state’s Catholic values. The article notes that President Joe Biden’s roots in the state, particularly in Scranton, and his Catholicism helped him win in 2020. However, Harris’ values are seen as out of step with those of many Pennsylvanians, particularly in working-class, Republican-dominated towns.
The report highlights the contrast between Harris’ abortion policies and the views of many voters in the state. While Harris has spent significant time campaigning in liberal-leaning areas like Philadelphia, she has yet to connect with voters in more conservative areas.
A lifelong resident of Scranton, Phil Condron, who describes himself as a “Joe Biden Democrat,” noted that Harris lacks the Catholic connection that Biden had with voters in the state. Pollster Christopher Borick echoed this sentiment, stating that Biden’s ability to connect with rural voters won’t be replicated with Harris.
Recent polling data supports this assessment. A Franklin and Marshall College poll found that Trump leads Harris 50 to 43 percent in northeastern Pennsylvania. A Muhlenberg College/Morning Call poll showed that Trump has maintained 97 percent of his 2020 voters and gained 6 percent of Biden’s voters. Meanwhile, Harris has secured 92 percent of Biden’s 2020 supporters, but only 2 percent of Trump voters.
In the rest of the state, the race between Trump and Harris is extremely close.
