Trump In The State He Must Win
Former President Trump took to the campaign trail in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, emphasizing the state’s critical role in his path to victory in the upcoming election. His rally in Scranton, the hometown of President Biden, and another in Reading marked his fourth visit to the state since early September. This follows a high-profile rally in Butler, just days after he survived an assassination attempt there.
During his speeches, Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly highlighting the soaring energy costs under the current administration. He pointed out Harris’s previous support for a fracking ban—a stance that raised alarms in a state where the energy sector is vital. “If Kamala Harris remains in power, she will devastate Pennsylvania’s energy industry, leaving communities in despair,” Trump declared in Scranton. He warned that such policies would lead to job losses and decreased wages.
Trump’s previous performance in Pennsylvania was closely contested: he won in 2016 by a slim margin of under 70,000 votes but lost in 2020 by about 80,000 votes. Experts predict a similarly tight race this November. A recent Quinnipiac poll indicates Harris leading Trump 49% to 46% among likely voters, but overall polling shows a neck-and-neck competition.
Trump’s campaign team believes that boosting support in working-class regions, such as Scranton and Reading, while reducing Harris’s advantage in urban areas around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, will be key to winning. David Urban, a Pennsylvania native and advisor to Trump, argued that with Biden stepping back, Trump’s path to victory has become clearer. “People know who Joe Biden is, but Harris lacks that recognition and is struggling to find her identity,” he noted.
Both campaigns understand Pennsylvania’s significance, with Trump stating, “If we win Pennsylvania, we will win the whole thing.” Harris, on the other hand, plans her tenth visit to the state next week, highlighting her focus on securing this crucial battleground.
With 19 electoral votes at stake, Pennsylvania is pivotal for both candidates. Harris needs to solidify her support in traditional Democratic strongholds while Trump aims to reclaim the state by energizing his base. Urban summed it up well: “If there’s one make-or-break state, it’s Pennsylvania.”
As the election approaches, both Trump and Harris are heavily investing time and resources into Pennsylvania, including substantial advertising efforts and appearances by key surrogates. Trump’s campaign has enlisted figures like Senator JD Vance and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to bolster support. Conversely, Harris has garnered support from notable Democrats, including Governor Josh Shapiro.
As the final weeks of the campaign unfold, Trump remains committed to maximizing his outreach in Pennsylvania. His allies predict that he will continue to ramp up his campaign efforts, ensuring he remains a formidable presence in the state as voters prepare to make their decision on November 5. “The one thing you can count on with Donald Trump is his relentless drive to connect with voters,” Urban emphasized.
