Voters in Allentown, Pennsylvania, express frustration with rising inflation and dissatisfaction with Democratic policies, indicating a potential shift in their political preferences.
Allentown, Pennsylvania, a traditionally blue-leaning city with a significant Hispanic population, is witnessing a growing sense of concern among voters regarding the state of the economy. "Fox & Friends Weekend" co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy spoke with residents who expressed their frustrations, particularly with inflation.
"Inflation has gotten excruciatingly high over the past few years," shared one local. "I can't afford hardly anything," added another. The high cost of groceries, gas, and wages that fail to keep pace with expenses were echoed throughout the community.
Pennsylvania Voters on the Fence about 2024 Amidst Inflation Concerns
Recent polling shows Vice President Kamala Harris performing better than President Biden among Hispanic voters, but Republicans have made significant gains within this key demographic in recent years. CNN elections analyst Harry Enten highlighted a jump of nearly 30 points in voters' views of former President Trump's ability to handle immigration and border security.
An Axios/Ipsos poll in April revealed that Latino Americans overwhelmingly believe Trump would be better for the economy and immigration than the Biden administration. The poll indicated that only 20% of Latinos consider Biden "good for the U.S. economy," compared to 42% who share the same view about Trump. For immigration, 22% said Biden is "good" on the issue, while 29% said the same for Trump.
Pennsylvania Voters on the Fence about 2024 Amidst Inflation Concerns
The residents of Allentown reflect these polling trends. "More Latino voters, Indian voters, they're moving more into the right, more into Donald Trump," said one resident. "Under President Trump, it was better. There was more people spending money, people who were like traveling more, spending, getting haircuts more often."
Another resident added, "Two years ago, everybody hated him. Now [the] majority are like, ‘no, I'm voting for Trump."
Pennsylvania Voters on the Fence about 2024 Amidst Inflation Concerns
Several residents expressed a possible shift towards voting Republican. One woman who formerly identified as a Democrat stated, "I started to realize the policies that I was voting in wasn't my standards or what I believed." Another added, "The Republican Party has the values that we hold dear: That is God, family, life."
Repeatedly, residents shared stories of individuals shifting to the right. One man argued, "we got to get Trump into office" to fix the economy.
Pennsylvania Voters on the Fence about 2024 Amidst Inflation Concerns
Earlier this week, Vice President Harris delivered an economic message in Philadelphia, stating that she fights for a "broad-based economy" and lowering the cost of living. However, many Pennsylvania voters remain skeptical and expressed a desire for change in the upcoming election.
