{"id":175530,"date":"2024-04-18T12:19:46","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T11:19:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/?p=175530"},"modified":"2024-04-18T12:19:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T11:19:46","slug":"how-joe-biden-can-win-pennsylvania-his-rosebud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/how-joe-biden-can-win-pennsylvania-his-rosebud\/","title":{"rendered":"How Joe Biden Can Win Pennsylvania, His Rosebud"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1a-bfvk\/18cottle1a-bfvk-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" alt=\"President Biden speaking at a campaign event. Behind him are flags of Pennsylvania and the United States.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <em>President Biden is a native son of Pennsylvania and gets intuitively how the state is a microcosm for America.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-10cldcv\">\n<div class=\"css-mfml7\" role=\"toolbar\" data-testid=\"share-tools\" aria-label=\"Social Media Share buttons, Save button, and Comments Panel with current comment count\">\n<div class=\"css-lbtxhr\">\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Let\u2019s talk about why President Biden is spending three days in Pennsylvania this week \u2014 a lot of time by campaign standards. By now, you probably know that just\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2024\/04\/16\/opinion\/electoral-map-outlook.html\">a few swing states are pivotal<\/a>\u00a0to winning the White House in November. For Mr. Biden, the Keystone State is the most crucial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">It\u2019s not just that Pennsylvania has 19 electoral votes \u2014 the biggest haul of any battleground. And it\u2019s not just that it is part of the Blue Wall, the string of industrial states that helped Democrats win the presidency for years until Donald Trump cracked it in 2016. This fight is also personal: Mr. Biden is a native son of Pennsylvania who spent part of his childhood there, identifies with its working-class, regular-folk vibe and gets intuitively how the state is a microcosm for America. If Scranton Joe cannot hang onto his Rosebud, he is probably in big trouble nationally.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The goodish news for Mr. Biden is that he appears to be running neck-and-neck here with Mr. Trump, according to\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.realclearpolling.com\/polls\/president\/general\/2024\/pennsylvania\/trump-vs-biden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">polling<\/a>\u00a0and campaign insiders, unlike in some other swing states where he is struggling a bit more. The tougher news is that many Democrats anticipate a tick-tight race, and it\u2019s not yet clear what will energize and turn out voters. \u201cMy big fear is that people are exhausted by the chaos,\u201d says U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, who hails from one of the suburban \u201ccollar counties\u201d around Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">So what does Team Biden need to do to prevail? High-profile visits like Mr. Biden\u2019s three-day swing this week are important. But they are a tiny piece of what it takes to win a place as sprawling and complicated as Pennsylvania. To get a clearer sense of the puzzle, I set about picking the brains of over a dozen strategists, organizers, elected officials and other state political experts. A smattering of common themes and strategies bubbled up \u2014 some easier than others for the president and his campaign to tackle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">I started by approaching Gov. Josh Shapiro, a member of Mr. Biden\u2019s\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pennlive.com\/news\/2023\/05\/gov-shapiro-four-pa-lawmakers-join-bidens-reelection-campaign-advisory-board.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">campaign advisory board<\/a>\u00a0who is considered a Democratic rock star since winning the state by nearly 15 points in 2022. (Mr. Biden squeaked by here in 2020 by 1.2 points. Though, to be fair, Mr. Shapiro had\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/09\/26\/us\/politics\/doug-mastriano-campaign-pennsylvania.html\">a truly lousy opponent<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">One story stuck with me from talking with the governor. It\u2019s a bit canned, sure, but it made me think about some of the hurdles Mr. Biden is facing. Asked if anything took him by surprise in his own run, Mr. Shapiro told me about his first TV ad, which showed him sitting around the Sabbath dinner table with his family, and how, afterward, voters would come up to him to share their own faith stories and traditions. \u201cThe ad allowed them to speak to me in a personal way,\u201d he recalled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-1r7aeon e73j0it0\">\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz- css-13wylk3 e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottleSub-hqpl\/18cottleSub-hqpl-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottleSub-hqpl\/18cottleSub-hqpl-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottleSub-hqpl\/18cottleSub-hqpl-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottleSub-hqpl\/18cottleSub-hqpl-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottleSub-hqpl\/18cottleSub-hqpl-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottleSub-hqpl\/18cottleSub-hqpl-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottleSub-hqpl\/18cottleSub-hqpl-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w\" alt=\"Gov. Josh Shapiro smiles while leaning over a waist-high partition near a stage. In the background are a seated audience and a sign declaring "Tax fairness for all Americans."\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-fpbvhh ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">Gov. Josh Shapiro introduced President Biden at a campaign event in Scranton, Pa.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz- css-13wylk3 e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle8a-zjht\/18cottle8a-zjht-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle8a-zjht\/18cottle8a-zjht-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle8a-zjht\/18cottle8a-zjht-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle8a-zjht\/18cottle8a-zjht-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle8a-zjht\/18cottle8a-zjht-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle8a-zjht\/18cottle8a-zjht-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle8a-zjht\/18cottle8a-zjht-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w\" alt=\"Blue buttons that read "Vote Democratic."\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-fpbvhh ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">As Mr. Biden works to sell voters on his accomplishments, he will have to do it across wildly different parts of Pennsylvania.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">While Mr. Biden can emote with the best of them, many voters, especially among his base, just aren\u2019t feeling that personal bond these days. Finding ways to reconnect, to make people feel understood and listened to, is one of his trickiest challenges.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Part of this will be letting voters know that he has been working for them. It\u2019s important to spell out for people \u201cwhat you delivered, how your work positively impacted their lives,\u201d Mr. Shapiro says of his experience. It also means addressing the things that still need fixing \u2014 making clear that, yes, you feel voters\u2019 pain. \u201cI\u2019ve heard people loud and clear. Things cost a lot. They want relief,\u201d said the governor, stressing that you have to \u201cacknowledge the challenges people feel.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">As Mr. Biden works to sell voters on his accomplishments, and himself, he will have to do it across wildly different parts of Pennsylvania. Winning here means playing everywhere, say the state\u2019s political hands \u2014 pretty much all of whom can recite the vote margins a Democrat needs to aim for in Philadelphia, its collar counties, Allegheny (home to Pittsburgh), this western enclave, that area of the Lehigh Valley and even the \u201cT counties\u201d running up the center and across the top of the state that typically go Republican. Boiled down, the blue-team blueprint is: run up the numbers in and around Philly, do well in Allegheny and other select spots and hold down Republicans\u2019 margins of victory in the more rural areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2a-whcp\/18cottle2a-whcp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2a-whcp\/18cottle2a-whcp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2a-whcp\/18cottle2a-whcp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2a-whcp\/18cottle2a-whcp-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" sizes=\"((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2a-whcp\/18cottle2a-whcp-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2a-whcp\/18cottle2a-whcp-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2a-whcp\/18cottle2a-whcp-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w\" alt=\"A man standing alone in the middle of the Lancaster County Democratic Party headquarters. He is surrounded by empty folding tables and chairs.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">The Biden team sees potential in Lancaster County, Pa., where it opened a local office last month.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"css-cnpkm9 e73j0it0\">\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz- css-13wylk3 e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2c-zkhp\/18cottle2c-zkhp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2c-zkhp\/18cottle2c-zkhp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2c-zkhp\/18cottle2c-zkhp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2c-zkhp\/18cottle2c-zkhp-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2c-zkhp\/18cottle2c-zkhp-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2c-zkhp\/18cottle2c-zkhp-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 732w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2c-zkhp\/18cottle2c-zkhp-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1463w\" alt=\"A person dressed in stars-and-stripes leggings and sneakers. Calf-length socks feature Donald Trump's face.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-fpbvhh ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">Trump supporters gathered outside a Biden campaign event on Tuesday.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz- css-13wylk3 e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle6-kmbq\/18cottle6-kmbq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle6-kmbq\/18cottle6-kmbq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle6-kmbq\/18cottle6-kmbq-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle6-kmbq\/18cottle6-kmbq-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle6-kmbq\/18cottle6-kmbq-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle6-kmbq\/18cottle6-kmbq-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 732w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle6-kmbq\/18cottle6-kmbq-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1463w\" alt=\"A short building with the sign "Mackrell's Barbershop" next to a taller building painted with the phrases "Chamber of Commerce Building" and "Scranton: The All America City."\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-fpbvhh ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">Downtown Scranton.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cYou can\u2019t rely on the places traditionally friendly to us. You have to close the margins in places we\u2019re not going to win,\u201d said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, a Democrat. Take the reliably red counties of Westmoreland, in the Pittsburgh region, and rural Northumberland, he offered: \u201cYou can lose 60-40, but you can\u2019t lose 70-30. It makes a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">\u201cMargins matter!\u201d confirmed State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, who is running statewide for auditor general. This is especially true if turnout in Philadelphia is not so hot \u2014 which, Democrats say, has been the case for several years. But we\u2019ll get to that in a minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Making inroads into hostile territory was crucial to both Mr. Shapiro\u2019s and Senator John Fetterman\u2019s victories in 2022. And while a presidential campaign is a different animal, some of the basics are transferable. Team Biden will need to build up its campaign infrastructure and outreach early in places where Democrats usually get clobbered.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">So far, the campaign seems to be taking this challenge to heart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Lancaster County is one of those places that don\u2019t show Democrats a lot of love. Mr. Trump won this Republican stronghold by\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/election\/2020\/results\/state\/pennsylvania\/president\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">nearly 16 points<\/a>\u00a0in 2020. Mr. Shapiro\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/2022-election\/results\/pennsylvania\/statewide-offices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">narrowly lost it<\/a>\u00a0to the MAGA-tastic Doug Mastriano in 2022. But the Biden team sees potential here and began investing resources early this cycle. The campaign\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/lancasteronline.com\/news\/politics\/biden-campaign-opens-shared-campaign-headquarters-in-lancaster-city\/article_8ae5e7dc-ed60-11ee-9d21-7baf70439567.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">opened a local office<\/a>\u00a0last month \u2014 one of 14 already up and running in the state \u2014 making a big to-do about the event and inviting MSNBC to cover it. Campaign hiring is gearing up, and volunteers are already out knocking on voters\u2019 doors multiple times a week.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Last Saturday, I tagged along for some canvassing with Stella Sexton, the vice chairwoman of the county Democratic Committee. Armed with a list of registered Democrats, she was reminding people that the primary was this coming Tuesday and ensuring they knew their polling place was at a local funeral home. Getting people involved in the primary makes it more likely that they will show up for the general election, she told me.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\">\n<div id=\"c-col-editors-picks\" class=\"css-1127xzn\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1-hmkg\/18cottle1-hmkg-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1-hmkg\/18cottle1-hmkg-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1-hmkg\/18cottle1-hmkg-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1-hmkg\/18cottle1-hmkg-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" sizes=\"((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1-hmkg\/18cottle1-hmkg-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1-hmkg\/18cottle1-hmkg-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle1-hmkg\/18cottle1-hmkg-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w\" alt=\"On the sidewalk of a street with well-kept single-family homes and green lawns, Stella Sexton, wearing a green raincoat, speaks with a resident in a gray hooded sweatshirt.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">Team Biden will need to build up its campaign infrastructure and outreach early in places where Democrats usually get clobbered. On Saturday Stella Sexton, right, a local Democratic leader in Pennsylvania, joined in political canvassing in her area.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Many of the folks on her list weren\u2019t home. Or weren\u2019t answering the door. (It\u2019s gotten harder with video doorbells, she noted.) Others were not in the mood to chat, such as the older gentleman who came to the door in his fish-print pajama pants. But now and then, Ms. Sexton hit upon someone who shared her sense of mission \u2014 like Bernese Lyons, a feisty nonagenarian with strong feelings about the need to defeat Mr. Trump. \u201cThe man is mad!\u201d she declared.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Playing in Republican areas can get Mr. Biden only so far, of course. His success will rest heavily on Philadelphia\u2019s populous collar counties, which once leaned red but have shifted blue in recent years thanks in part to suburban women turning against Mr. Trump. MAGA extremism did not play well in this region even before the demise of Roe v. Wade. Now? Mobilizing its legions of moderates and independents over reproductive rights is central to the Democratic playbook.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">And then there\u2019s Philly. Any Democrat running statewide needs to run up the vote count in this city of more than 1.5 million people, with three-quarters of the voters registered as Democrats. Talking about Philly is where Dems sound the most nervous. Turnout there has been meh for the past several elections, they say. And since 2020, Mr. Biden has lost support among some core constituencies, including Black and Hispanic voters, of which Philly has an abundance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Some people, including former Gov. Ed Rendell, fear it will be tough for the president to match his 2020 numbers this time. The city was \u201chard hit during the pandemic. It\u2019s had crime problems, economic problems,\u201d he says. \u201cThere really is just a general feeling of \u2014 not a hopeless feeling \u2014 but a general feeling that people aren\u2019t fired up.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle5-hczt\/18cottle5-hczt-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle5-hczt\/18cottle5-hczt-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle5-hczt\/18cottle5-hczt-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle5-hczt\/18cottle5-hczt-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" sizes=\"((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle5-hczt\/18cottle5-hczt-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle5-hczt\/18cottle5-hczt-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle5-hczt\/18cottle5-hczt-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w\" alt=\"Anti-Trump protesters dancing outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">Philadelphia\u2019s nearby \u201ccollar counties\u201d once leaned red but have shifted blue in recent years thanks in part to suburban women turning against Mr. Trump.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Political types focused on the city note that, among young Black men in particular, there is a lack of urgency regarding the importance of this election. The Biden campaign is hoping to change this with early engagement. It wants to turn its offices into community hubs, maybe even set up community fridges (like community pantries, only \u2026 cooler) in some neighborhoods. And it wants to get trusted local leaders out talking with people early and often.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Smart politicians also know better than to overlook the state\u2019s Hispanic population. While still a relatively modest\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/quickfacts\/fact\/table\/PA\/PST045223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">8.6 percent<\/a>, this demographic group is on the rise well beyond Philadelphia. Notably, Allentown, Pennsylvania\u2019s third-largest city, is now majority Hispanic and, in 2021, elected its first Latino mayor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Mr. Shapiro\u2019s team keeps in touch with Spanish-language media hosts, and the governor does interviews on Spanish-language radio. Not that you have to speak Spanish to us, clarifies Allentown\u2019s mayor, Matt Tuerk. \u201cBut you need to show up early instead of just in October and seriously listen to our concerns.\u201d Already this year, Mr. Biden has visited Allentown, as has the president\u2019s health and human services secretary, Xavier Becerra.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The right surrogates, properly deployed, will be critical. Local talent will be the backbone. \u201cIt\u2019s really important to tell your story through the people who live in the community,\u201d says Mr. Shapiro. But superstars could have their place as well. \u201cIf I were in charge of the campaign, I would take Bill Clinton and send him to every small county in the state,\u201d says Mr. Rendell. \u201cAnd I\u2019d have Barack Obama hit the major cities.\u201d Many people expect Mr. Shapiro, who enjoys enviable approval numbers, to be Mr. Biden\u2019s most effective surrogate. \u201cHe is the most popular Democrat in the state,\u201d says Mr. Rendell. \u201cUse him!\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The campaign\u2019s messengers, of course, need a message that resonates. In terms of policy, Pennsylvanians put the economy at the top of their list of concerns, as is the case nationwide. (No surprise that this is the theme of Mr. Biden\u2019s visit this week.) Indeed, many of the issues that trouble people here are what you hear all over. Gun violence is a worry in Philadelphia. Young voters are outraged over the war in Gaza. The opioid crisis has hit hard. Democracy is being threatened. Women\u2019s reproductive rights are under attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2d-mfpk\/18cottle2d-mfpk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2d-mfpk\/18cottle2d-mfpk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2d-mfpk\/18cottle2d-mfpk-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2d-mfpk\/18cottle2d-mfpk-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" sizes=\"((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2d-mfpk\/18cottle2d-mfpk-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2d-mfpk\/18cottle2d-mfpk-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle2d-mfpk\/18cottle2d-mfpk-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w\" alt=\"A crowd of young protesters in Pennsylvania carrying signs calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">Young people in Pennsylvania are outraged over the war in Gaza, as is the case in much of the country.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The state has its particularities as well, including the sticky issue of fracking. Many Democrats hate the process because of its environmental costs. But in Pennsylvania, fracking took \u201ca lot of people who were going to live and die poor,\u201d made their land valuable and erased their \u201cfinancial worries,\u201d notes Mr. Rendell.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Tensions over energy development here are one reason the party has\u00a0<a class=\"css-yywogo\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/money\/markets\/now-they-re-voting-red-a-pennsylvania-fracking-boom-weighs-on-biden-s-re-election-chances\/ar-BB1lbX40\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lost ground<\/a>\u00a0in the southwestern part of the state, says Berwood Yost, who heads the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College. At a rally in the Lehigh Valley last Saturday, Mr. Trump gleefully painted the president as an enemy of Pennsylvania\u2019s energy sector. Mr. Biden needs to approach the issue with extreme care, says Mr. Rendell. Mr. Yost observes that Mr. Shapiro, who has been handling a similar balancing act successfully so far, could \u201coffer ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The president\u2019s heaviest lift may be combating the general bad vibes afoot in the land. \u201cWe\u2019re at a point with polarization and politics where policy matters less than emotion,\u201d says Mr. Yost. Moreover, while hawking specific achievements is all well and good, he says, \u201cyou have to have some kind of a vision.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div data-testid=\"imageblock-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"img-sz-large css-hxpw2c e1g7ppur0\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"media\">\n<div class=\"css-1xdhyk6 erfvjey0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-figure\">\n<div class=\"css-1pq3dr9\" data-testid=\"lazy-image\">\n<div data-testid=\"lazyimage-container\"><picture class=\"css-1j5kxti\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle7-cfhp\/18cottle7-cfhp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=600\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 3dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 288dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle7-cfhp\/18cottle7-cfhp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 2dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle7-cfhp\/18cottle7-cfhp-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1800\" media=\"(max-width: 599px) and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 1dppx),(max-width: 599px) and (min-resolution: 96dpi)\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"css-1m50asq\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle7-cfhp\/18cottle7-cfhp-articleLarge.jpg?ssl=1\" sizes=\"((min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1004px)) 84vw, (min-width: 1005px) 80vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle7-cfhp\/18cottle7-cfhp-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 600w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle7-cfhp\/18cottle7-cfhp-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 1024w,https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/images\/2024\/04\/18\/multimedia\/18cottle7-cfhp\/18cottle7-cfhp-superJumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp 2048w\" alt=\"Biden supporters at a campaign event in front of huge \u201cBiden\/Harris\u201d banner.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"css-1g9ic6e ewdxa0s0\" data-testid=\"photoviewer-children-caption\"><em><span class=\"css-jevhma e13ogyst0\">Mr. Biden will need to find his own theme to frame his candidacy for Pennsylvanians.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The vision thing is a tough one. For his part, Mr. Shapiro frames this election as a story about freedom: the freedom of women to control their bodies, the freedom to love who you want, the freedom to be who you are, and so on. Ms. Scanlon sees it as \u201can election about choice \u2014 and not just on reproductive rights.\u201d Mr. Biden will need to find his own narrative for his candidacy, then work like hell to push it out. But even with a great story, it is hard to argue people out of their feelings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Still, as the race heats up and people tune in, Democrats are betting they will benefit, as they have since 2018, from the chaos that clings to Mr. Biden\u2019s opponent. \u201cThere\u2019s an old saying in politics: \u2018The greatest motivator is hate not love,\u2019\u201d says Mr. Rendell. \u201cAnd Trump is giving a lot of people reasons to hate, and fear, him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Democrats have their fingers crossed that this will prove the defining piece of the puzzle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 President Biden is…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1609,1664,1610,1,1121,136,1084],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-175530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-conflict","category-current-affairs","category-election","category-home","category-lifestyle","category-news","category-politics"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pa6gfq-JF8","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=175530"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175530\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":175531,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175530\/revisions\/175531"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=175530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=175530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asyarfs.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=175530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}