Article Summary –
Michael Schwartz and Alex Eldridge, along with other Pennsylvanians, emphasize the preservation of democracy as the most critical issue for the 2024 election, citing concerns over former President Trump’s actions. Support for Vice President Kamala Harris is growing in Pennsylvania, with significant backing due to her focus on protecting reproductive rights, increasing affordable housing, and addressing other key social issues. Harris’ potential to become the first female and first person of South Asian descent to serve as U.S. president is inspiring diverse groups, including younger voters and suburban women, to rally behind her candidacy.
Michael Schwartz, a 28-year-old from Conshohocken, identifies “democracy” as the most critical issue in the 2024 election.
“I mean, that to me is everything,” Schwartz said while waiting to see Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris at Wissahickon High School in Ambler on July 29.
“It’s about having elections to vote in and a future to campaign for,” Schwartz added.
Concerns about former President Donald Trump’s and his supporters’ attacks on democracy — including the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a barrage of lies undermining election workers’ credibility, and his verbal assaults against the press — are fueling support for Harris.
“The preservation of American democracy,” Alex Eldridge, a retired Glenside resident, cited as his top priority for this election.
“If somebody tries to overthrow the government, you don’t give them another shot at it,” Eldridge continued.
Schwartz and Eldridge were among over 1,300 people who gathered to see Shapiro and Whitmer in Ambler, a Philadelphia suburb. Both Shapiro and Whitmer have been named as top contenders for Harris’ vice-presidential pick. Whitmer plans to remain Michigan’s governor and has not been vetted for the VP role.
The large crowd at Wissahickon High School shows the growing support for Harris in Pennsylvania, a swing state critical for the 2024 election. Since July 28, more than 15,000 Pennsylvanians have signed up to volunteer for Harris.
From students to retirees, union workers to doctors, Pennsylvanians are rallying behind the first Black vice president, hoping she will defeat Trump and become the first female president.
“For me, at my age, it is a lifetime dream,” Darrell Ann Murphy, 83, of Easton, said of a woman being elected to the highest office.
Interviewed residents supported Harris’ efforts to protect reproductive rights, boost affordable housing, combat medical debt, and increase infrastructure funding.
Many are thrilled that Harris could be the first woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as president. Harris’ mother came to the U.S. from India and worked as a cancer researcher. Her father, an economist from Jamaica, taught at Stanford University.
“I’ve been filled with hope for her since 2019,” Shiva Sharma, 18, of Philadelphia, said. “Knowing that she’s one of us makes me feel safe in my community and the country.”
Ronna Dewey, state program director for Red, Wine and Blue, believes a Harris White House would bring policies that safeguard communities, families, and reproductive rights.
“What’s most important to me is women’s reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and public education,” Dewey said. “All three are at stake.”
Among Harris’ supporters in Pennsylvania are Shapiro and local Democratic leaders.
“This election isn’t just about the name on the ballot,” Shapiro told the crowd at Wissahickon High School. “It’s about what we’re willing to fight for and the future we want to build for our children.”
“I want a cleaner, greener future with better schools, safer streets, and more freedom. And I want to say, ‘Hello, Madam President,’” the governor concluded.
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