Media, Pennsylvania, symbolizes the ongoing American Dream with its picturesque neighborhoods featuring grand homes and vibrant gardens. As Democratic volunteers prepare to mobilize voters in these affluent suburbs, they focus on encouraging support for Kamala Harris, especially among women, who exhibit a clear preference for her over Trump. The article highlights the changing political landscape of the region, driven by an influx of new residents and shifting voter demographics. Key issues such as abortion rights and economic concerns shape residents’ opinions, with some expressing skepticism about Harris’s policies.
The American Dream in Media, Pennsylvania
The American Dream continues to thrive, particularly in the charming neighborhoods of Media, the central town in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Here, grand homes are nestled along meandering roads, adorned with lush lawns and lovingly tended gardens that still showcase remnants of Halloween—some cobwebs and a couple of pumpkins linger on porches.
As the golden autumn sun casts its glow, towering oaks, majestic sequoias, and vibrant ornamental maples create a picturesque setting. Some properties are so expansive that they rival entire blocks in Philadelphia.
Mobilizing Voters in Affluent Suburbs
These upscale neighborhoods present a prime opportunity for Democratic volunteers, who are set to canvass the Philadelphia suburbs this Monday, knocking on countless doors. Their mission is clear: to encourage those who support Kamala Harris to make their voices heard at the polls.
Interestingly, a significant portion of these engaged voters are women. At a popular upscale grocery store, Chelsea, a determined young woman, enthusiastically declares, “I’m voting for Kamala.” Her conviction reflects a broader trend; the gender gap in this election is more pronounced than ever, with Harris holding a 9 percent advantage over Trump among women, while Trump maintains an 8 percent lead among men.
Harris is particularly favored by college-educated women, boasting a remarkable 27 percent lead in this demographic. Many of these women reside in well-established suburbs like Media, making the affluent “Collar” counties surrounding Philadelphia crucial for the Harris campaign. To counterbalance anticipated losses in rural areas, she must secure a robust lead here and in major urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Historically, these counties leaned Republican until the Reagan era. However, they have gradually shifted leftward over the years. George W. Bush was the first Republican in over a century to win the presidency without securing Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware County. Donald Trump didn’t start this trend but certainly intensified it.
Longtime locals attribute this political transformation to an influx of newcomers. Unlike the steel and coal towns, the Philadelphia suburbs have seen steady growth. Young families are realizing their dreams of homeownership, often opting for suburban living while commuting to jobs in the city.
These residents tend to vote for Democrats. Recent consumer sentiment data indicates a growing divide based on income levels: while affluent households express increasing optimism, those with lower incomes remain more pessimistic. Trump’s claims of superior economic management fare poorly in Media compared to other regions.
When it comes to the abortion debate, the situation is different. Unlike other contentious states, Pennsylvania lacks a parallel vote on Election Day. However, many Media residents, especially women, bring up the topic organically in conversation. Barbara Parris, a 72-year-old grandmother, shares her concerns for her grandnieces, stating, “I don’t want a man to be able to decide over their bodies,” as she prepares to vote for Harris.
During his presidency, Trump solidified a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, which two years ago overturned the landmark “Roe v. Wade” decision that had protected abortion rights for decades. This shift has empowered conservative states to impose stricter abortion laws, a move that has not been well-received, particularly among women across the political spectrum. Trump’s attempts to downplay the issue have not alleviated its significance for many voters.
In a widely circulated Democratic advertisement, actress Julia Roberts passionately encourages women to support Kamala Harris, delivering a powerful message amid cheerful music: “In the one place where women still have the right to decide for themselves, you can vote however you want – and no one will ever know.” This message resonates particularly with white women whose husbands may favor Trump.
Trump, however, expressed discontent with the advertisement during an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” questioning the notion that women would keep their voting intentions secret from their husbands.
As Democratic volunteers continue their outreach in Media, they find mixed results. Some homes are empty, while others warmly welcome the canvassers, who are eager to learn when and where residents plan to vote.
Amid their efforts, they encounter a potential voter, Samantha Johnston Twining, who remains undecided. With reservations about both Trump and Harris, she poses a challenging question: “Can you give me a reason why I shouldn’t vote for Jill Stein?” Johnston Twining expresses concerns about the Democrats’ foreign policy and the potential for renewed military conflict, particularly given her nephew’s age.
She also questions the future economic policy under a Harris administration, specifically regarding the leadership of the Federal Trade Commission, which has received praise under the current administration. Her worries stem from a lack of clarity about whether Harris would continue the work of the current FTC chair.
As Democratic volunteers knock on doors, they encounter a generally friendly atmosphere, particularly compared to other regions. While Trump supporters are not shy, they often express their support briefly. One woman in an SUV shouts her intention to