Harris campaigns for Black and Latino support in Philadelphia
Inflation and additional challenges are impacting Harris's efforts to mobilize support for a crucial segment of the Blue Wall. There are numerous warning signs present.
TroibNews 
Kamala Harris dedicated her Sunday exclusively to Philadelphia, emphasizing the significance of the city for her campaign just nine days before Election Day. The focus on Pennsylvania’s largest city underscores its importance to the vice president as part of a broader effort to drive turnout among Black and Latino voters, crucial demographics for winning the state and maintaining a viable path to the White House.
With Philadelphia boasting a population that is nearly 40 percent Black and 15 percent Hispanic, its electoral weight is substantial. President Joe Biden secured 81 percent of the vote there in 2020, making it a critical component of the Blue Wall that Harris must protect to defeat Donald Trump. However, troubling recent polling suggests a weakening Democratic coalition, particularly as Trump appears to be diminishing Harris' support among Black and Latino men, raising alarms for Democrats in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
In light of these challenges, Harris engaged in extensive outreach to Black and Latino voters throughout Philadelphia on Sunday. She returned to grassroots campaigning, moving away from the large rallies that have become more common in response to security concerns. From speaking in a predominantly Black church to sitting in a barbershop and dining at a Puerto Rican restaurant, Harris stressed the dangers posed by Trump, whom she described as “full of grievance,” while warning about the implications of a second Trump administration for these communities.
“This election is about two extremely different visions for our nation,” Harris conveyed to a rally audience on Sunday evening. “One, Donald Trump’s, who is focused on the past and himself … We are focused on the future.”
According to former Rep. Charlie Dent, Harris's performance in Philadelphia may be even more crucial than in previous elections. He noted that while she might excel in the city's affluent suburban areas compared to Biden’s 2020 results, there remains concern that she could fall short in predominantly white, working-class regions throughout the state.
“Kamala Harris needs just a huge plurality coming out of the Philadelphia area,” Dent stated, highlighting that “Black and Latino men in Philadelphia are essential for her.”
Any decline in support from these key demographics could have severe consequences. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis observed, “Kamala Harris has been having an authentic conversation with Black and brown men throughout the course of this campaign.” He emphasized her proactive approach, noting that she has actively listened to their concerns and proposed solutions aimed at improving their well-being.
Despite Democratic dominance in Philadelphia in recent elections, Harris is contending with economic challenges significantly influencing voter sentiments, particularly among younger Black and Latino men worried about issues like inflation and student loan debt.
At a West Philadelphia barbershop, Harris addressed these economic issues directly during a discussion with young Black men moderated by state Rep. Jordan Harris. An attendee raised the issue of student loan debt, which resonated with the group. Harris emphasized the importance of Black teachers in education, stating, “You know that the statistics are: If a Black child has a Black teacher, by the end of third grade they’re like 13 percent more likely, more likely to go to college.”
During her visit to Freddy & Tony’s, a Puerto Rican restaurant in North Philadelphia, Harris spoke about her plans for a “task force for Puerto Rico” if she wins, alongside initiatives aimed at helping families create intergenerational wealth. “Obviously, the goal is to win. But the goal is to also, in this process, build community and build coalitions,” she remarked.
As over a million Pennsylvanians have voted early by mail, the majority are anticipated to vote on Election Day. Some members of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party have expressed concerns about the Harris campaign's organization, particularly regarding engagement with Black and Latino voters in Philadelphia.
Throughout the day, Harris frequently contrasted her platform with Trump's, who was preparing for a rally in New York. She cautioned voters about Trump’s rhetoric, stating he is full of “dark language that is about retribution and revenge.”
As she asserts her commitment, Harris declared, “The momentum is with us.”
In a notable contrast on the same day, pro-Trump comedian Tony Hinchcliffe disparaged Puerto Rico, referring to it as “a floating island of garbage” during Trump’s rally, which underscored the sensitivity of the Puerto Rican vote in swing states like Pennsylvania.
When asked about enthusiasm among Black voters, Harris expressed optimism about the energy and commitment she observes across various communities. She has also made abortion rights a focal point of her campaign messaging, pledging to prioritize the codification of Roe v. Wade through legislation if elected. Nevertheless, she avoided discussing any potential restrictions on abortion in the context of proposed legislation.
With the stakes high, Harris recognized the critical nature of Philadelphia while visiting a local African American-themed bookstore, affirming, “We’re going to do it. Victory runs through Philly. It runs through Pennsylvania.” Meanwhile, President Biden is scheduled to visit the city to promote his administration’s pro-union initiatives, a move designed to bolster Harris’ efforts in an area where she has faced challenges with some powerful unions.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
With Philadelphia boasting a population that is nearly 40 percent Black and 15 percent Hispanic, its electoral weight is substantial. President Joe Biden secured 81 percent of the vote there in 2020, making it a critical component of the Blue Wall that Harris must protect to defeat Donald Trump. However, troubling recent polling suggests a weakening Democratic coalition, particularly as Trump appears to be diminishing Harris' support among Black and Latino men, raising alarms for Democrats in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
In light of these challenges, Harris engaged in extensive outreach to Black and Latino voters throughout Philadelphia on Sunday. She returned to grassroots campaigning, moving away from the large rallies that have become more common in response to security concerns. From speaking in a predominantly Black church to sitting in a barbershop and dining at a Puerto Rican restaurant, Harris stressed the dangers posed by Trump, whom she described as “full of grievance,” while warning about the implications of a second Trump administration for these communities.
“This election is about two extremely different visions for our nation,” Harris conveyed to a rally audience on Sunday evening. “One, Donald Trump’s, who is focused on the past and himself … We are focused on the future.”
According to former Rep. Charlie Dent, Harris's performance in Philadelphia may be even more crucial than in previous elections. He noted that while she might excel in the city's affluent suburban areas compared to Biden’s 2020 results, there remains concern that she could fall short in predominantly white, working-class regions throughout the state.
“Kamala Harris needs just a huge plurality coming out of the Philadelphia area,” Dent stated, highlighting that “Black and Latino men in Philadelphia are essential for her.”
Any decline in support from these key demographics could have severe consequences. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis observed, “Kamala Harris has been having an authentic conversation with Black and brown men throughout the course of this campaign.” He emphasized her proactive approach, noting that she has actively listened to their concerns and proposed solutions aimed at improving their well-being.
Despite Democratic dominance in Philadelphia in recent elections, Harris is contending with economic challenges significantly influencing voter sentiments, particularly among younger Black and Latino men worried about issues like inflation and student loan debt.
At a West Philadelphia barbershop, Harris addressed these economic issues directly during a discussion with young Black men moderated by state Rep. Jordan Harris. An attendee raised the issue of student loan debt, which resonated with the group. Harris emphasized the importance of Black teachers in education, stating, “You know that the statistics are: If a Black child has a Black teacher, by the end of third grade they’re like 13 percent more likely, more likely to go to college.”
During her visit to Freddy & Tony’s, a Puerto Rican restaurant in North Philadelphia, Harris spoke about her plans for a “task force for Puerto Rico” if she wins, alongside initiatives aimed at helping families create intergenerational wealth. “Obviously, the goal is to win. But the goal is to also, in this process, build community and build coalitions,” she remarked.
As over a million Pennsylvanians have voted early by mail, the majority are anticipated to vote on Election Day. Some members of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party have expressed concerns about the Harris campaign's organization, particularly regarding engagement with Black and Latino voters in Philadelphia.
Throughout the day, Harris frequently contrasted her platform with Trump's, who was preparing for a rally in New York. She cautioned voters about Trump’s rhetoric, stating he is full of “dark language that is about retribution and revenge.”
As she asserts her commitment, Harris declared, “The momentum is with us.”
In a notable contrast on the same day, pro-Trump comedian Tony Hinchcliffe disparaged Puerto Rico, referring to it as “a floating island of garbage” during Trump’s rally, which underscored the sensitivity of the Puerto Rican vote in swing states like Pennsylvania.
When asked about enthusiasm among Black voters, Harris expressed optimism about the energy and commitment she observes across various communities. She has also made abortion rights a focal point of her campaign messaging, pledging to prioritize the codification of Roe v. Wade through legislation if elected. Nevertheless, she avoided discussing any potential restrictions on abortion in the context of proposed legislation.
With the stakes high, Harris recognized the critical nature of Philadelphia while visiting a local African American-themed bookstore, affirming, “We’re going to do it. Victory runs through Philly. It runs through Pennsylvania.” Meanwhile, President Biden is scheduled to visit the city to promote his administration’s pro-union initiatives, a move designed to bolster Harris’ efforts in an area where she has faced challenges with some powerful unions.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
