FT News Briefing features Lauren Fedor, FT's deputy Washington bureau chief, and Derek Brower, US political editor, discussing the importance of Pennsylvania in the 2024 election. They cover contrasting economic strategies of Trump and Biden, strategic campaigning to attract blue-collar workers, diverse demographics, and the critical role of Pennsylvania in the election.
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Quick takeaways
In Pennsylvania, Biden's focus on tax policies and working-class families contrasts with Trump's emphasis on energy and job creation.
Pennsylvania's diverse voter mix, especially women concerned about issues like abortion, reflects national demographics influencing political preferences.
Deep dives
Importance of Pennsylvania in the US Presidential Election
Pennsylvania is a critical swing state with 19 electoral college votes that have been decided by around 1 percentage point margin in recent elections. Both Biden and Trump focus on winning Pennsylvania, with Biden leveraging his personal connection to Scranton and Trump emphasizing energy policies and job creation.
Economic Strategies in Pennsylvania
Both Biden and Trump target blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania with economically populist messages. Biden focuses on tax policies and fighting for working-class families, while Trump emphasizes energy, particularly shale gas production, as a key factor in creating jobs.
Demographics and Challenges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania represents a diverse mix of voters with major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Women voters around Philadelphia are concerned about issues like abortion, influencing their political preferences. The state serves as a microcosm of national policy issues and demographics, reflecting broader challenges faced by Trump and Biden in the presidential election.
Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden made campaign stops last week in Pennsylvania, whose 19 electoral votes could decide the outcome of the 2024 election. But in a state with such a range of demographic groups, how can each find a message that will stick? The FT’s deputy Washington bureau chief, Lauren Fedor, and US political editor Derek Brower join to discuss. Credit: The Independent, The Times and the Sunday Times
Swamp Notes is produced by Ethan Plotkin, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor and Marc Filippino. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson.