Former President Donald Trump’s campaign event at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania highlighted his efforts to appeal to working-class voters in a critical swing state. Trump aims to make the election a referendum on the Biden-Harris administration’s record, while Vice President Kamala Harris is presenting a contrasting agenda focused on issues like child tax credits and guaranteed paid leave.
Data shows that lower-wage workers, such as those at fast-food restaurants, have lower voter turnout rates, making them a key target for both candidates. An analysis by the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School suggests that lower-wage workers would benefit more under Harris’ economic plans than under Trump’s, particularly in terms of federal incentives.
The clash between the two candidates comes amid a national realignment, with white voters without a college degree trending towards Republicans and Harris using economic appeals to appeal to these voters. Trump is also making efforts to attract working-class voters from traditionally Democratic groups like Black and Latino voters.
Both candidates have ambiguities in their economic agendas, with Harris not specifying certain details like the federal minimum wage or the number of guaranteed weeks of paid leave, and Trump not clearly stating his stance on the minimum wage or paid leave. Lower-wage workers have seen significant pay gains in recent years, but continue to face challenges in affording rising costs of living.
Overall, the two candidates offer different approaches to economic issues, with Harris focusing on benefits for lower-income workers and Trump emphasizing broader economic improvements. The outcome of the election in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Arizona could be influenced by which candidate can better appeal to working-class voters.
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