cover of episode All Eyes on Pennsylvania

All Eyes on Pennsylvania

2024/10/31
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The Run-Up

Key Insights

Why is Pennsylvania crucial in the 2024 election?

Pennsylvania has 19 electoral votes, the most of any swing state, and its shift from red to blue in 2020 was pivotal for Biden's win.

What groups does Kamala Harris need to win over in Pennsylvania?

Harris needs to persuade moderates, former Republicans turned off by Trump, and energize the Democratic base, especially Black voters in urban areas.

Why are some voters hesitant to support Kamala Harris?

Some are skeptical due to her past as a prosecutor, while others are influenced by economic perceptions during Trump's tenure.

How does the Working Families Party aim to influence voters?

They focus on local issues and personal relationships, avoiding the 'lesser of two evils' argument to encourage voting.

Why might some Black voters support Trump despite his rhetoric?

Some believe economic improvements during his tenure outweigh his divisive rhetoric.

What challenges does Pennsylvania face in counting votes quickly?

Pennsylvania cannot start processing mail-in ballots until Election Day morning, unlike other states that start days in advance.

How does Al Schmidt plan to handle potential misinformation during the election?

He emphasizes expectation setting and transparency, ensuring voters understand the legal process and trust in the integrity of the count.

Why did Al Schmidt continue in his role despite threats after the 2020 election?

He prioritized the integrity of democracy over personal safety, viewing threats as attempts to coerce and disrupt the electoral process.

What is Kamala Harris's closing argument in her campaign?

Harris frames the election as a referendum on Trump's character, emphasizing unity and the threat to democracy.

Chapters

Kamala Harris busca apoyo en Pensilvania, enfocándose en votantes moderados y el entusiasmo de la base demócrata, especialmente en áreas urbanas como Filadelfia.
  • Canvassers en Filadelfia trabajan en estrategias para animar a los votantes a apoyar a Kamala Harris.
  • Se enfatiza la importancia de votar por la opción menos mala si los votantes no están contentos con ninguno de los candidatos.
  • Se promueve la votación temprana y se brindan detalles sobre cómo hacerlo en Pensilvania.

Shownotes Transcript

There’s no state more likely to tip the election than Pennsylvania.

It has the most electoral votes of any swing state, with 19, and its flip from red to blue in 2020 helped secure the win for Joe Biden.

For Kamala Harris to prevail there this year, she needs to win over moderates, even Republicans, who are turned off by Donald Trump. And she has to drive up enthusiasm among the Democratic base, including Black voters in urban centers like Philadelphia.

On the show today, the Democrats’ final push in Pennsylvania — and a conversation with Al Schmidt, the state’s top election official, on how he’s preparing for close results in this closely watched state.

 

Featured in the episode:

Canvassers with the Working Families Party

Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania’s secretary of state

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