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The steel plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, made parts for the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hoover Dam, and the mighty American battleships that fought in World War II.
Today, the plant remains inactive and abandoned after having closed years ago.
Huge rusted chimneys and blast furnaces still dominate the horizon.
Donald Trump promised to bring industries like steel and coal back to Pennsylvania and the so-called “rust belt” vote, which used to be solidly Democratic, changed and it was for Trump in 2016.
It helped him win the state of Pennsylvania and the White House by minimal margins, but now he’s under pressure in polls here and nationally.
Joe Biden was born in working class Scranton, Pennsylvania and is viewed by many in this state as one of their own.
On the campaign trail, he regularly contrasts his Irish Catholic roots with Donald Trump’s billionaire lifestyle, promoting a “Scranton vs. Park Avenue” election message.
“All President Trump could see from Park Avenue is Wall Street. Just think about the stock market,” he regularly tells his supporters.
Chris Borick is a professor of political science at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania.
He says that right now, the polls point to a likely Joe Biden win in Pennsylvania.
“If Joe Biden has a lead in the polls in early November in the middle of the single digits in Pennsylvania, it’s a pretty tough number for the president to beat, but not impossible. I think this time it’s tougher terrain for the president “, He said. He said.
In downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Scott Hough is on the campaign trail meeting with voters and handing out flyers.
He’s a Republican candidate running to become a state representative and says Donald Trump’s performance in office often comes to the door.
“Some people will slam the door in your face and don’t want to talk to you because you have the Republican title after your name, but most of the people here in Bethlehem are very impartial, hard-working people and are willing to have a conversation,” He said.
“That’s why I’m running because I feel like what’s missing now is people sitting down, having a conversation and trying to find common ground.”
A mix of Donald Trump and Joe Biden lawn signs line the residential streets of this Pennsylvania city and it’s a divide that’s reflected in the opinions of voters here.
Barbara Gallowich says she will support Joe Biden.
“I was hopeful for Donald Trump, but I don’t think he’s gotten over all the lies. He’s not a very honest man,” she said.
Robert Holland voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and has no regrets.
“He’s doing a wonderful job and he’s the most informed president we’ve ever had in my life. He’s brave, we’re going in the right direction and I hope people give him another four years,” he said.
Donald Trump’s victory here was forged in the shadows of abandoned steelworks and coal mines.
Professor Borick believes that many of those who voted for him probably knew deep down that he would never open those industries again, but they backed Trump anyway out of a sense of nostalgia and a desire to return to an America of the past.
“Coal has not returned to Scranton, steel has not returned to Bethlehem, but despite this, its broader message still resonates with many voters,” he said.
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