The Intelligence from The Economist cover image

The Intelligence from The Economist

Turn up the PA: the last in our swing-state series

Nov 1, 2024
Adam O'Neill, The Economist’s Washington correspondent, dives into Pennsylvania's pivotal role in the upcoming elections, highlighting its crucial electoral votes and shifting demographics. Avantika Churkoti, Global business correspondent, explores the evolving influencer economy, discussing the shift from mega influencers to niche personalities. The podcast also touches on the surprising resurgence of goth culture among Gen Z and its unexpected ties to the political landscape, showcasing how trends in social media can influence voter behavior.
23:51

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Quick takeaways

  • Pennsylvania's political landscape is deeply divided, with educated voters leaning Democratic while working-class white voters tend to favor Republicans, creating a highly competitive battleground.
  • The effectiveness of grassroots campaigning and voter mobilization strategies will be crucial for both candidates in swaying undecided voters as Election Day approaches.

Deep dives

The Swing State Dynamics of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a critical swing state in the upcoming presidential election, holding the most electoral college votes at 19. Historically, the state has proven to be a bellwether; about 90% of the time, the candidate who wins Pennsylvania goes on to win the presidency. The political landscape shows a shift with highly educated voters leaning Democratic, while more working-class white people favor Republicans, resulting in a competitive battleground. Campaigns have heavily invested in advertisements to sway voters, appealing to their interests in key issues such as immigration, reproductive rights, and the economy.

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