PHILADELPHIA — Inflation and the Cost of Living: A Voter's Perspective
For 80-year-old Alyce Hobson, grocery shopping has transformed from a routine errand into a daunting experience, particularly with prices soaring. On a Sunday in late September, she entered a Philadelphia grocery store and exited with just three small items, yet her bill was nearly $30.
“Prices are totally ridiculous,” remarked Hobson, a retired government employee who once supported Philadelphia’s social workers. “I looked at my bag and said, ‘What did I buy?’”
The issue of rising food costs resonates deeply with Hobson as she prepares to vote in the upcoming presidential election. With inflation affecting everyday expenses, she seeks a candidate who can effectively manage the economy and tackle what she perceives as rampant price gouging.
To her, that candidate is Vice President Kamala Harris. “I do need a president who understands that people and their budgets really can’t manage that indefinitely,” she emphasized, advocating for changes in product quality, sizes, and hopefully, prices.
As Hobson prepares to cast her ballot, she will join the ranks of approximately 1.14 million eligible Black voters in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in this election. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral college votes—the most of any swing state—holds significant sway in the overall electoral landscape.
During interviews with Black voters in Philadelphia, the state’s most populous city, which boasts a nearly 40% Black population, it became clear that many share Hobson’s eagerness to participate in the electoral process.
However, there exists a palpable undercurrent of apathy and disenchantment among some residents, particularly among younger demographics. Political observers note a rising concern about voter turnout, which could jeopardize Harris’s campaign prospects.
While improving the economy remains a central issue for many, voters also expressed concerns about preserving civil rights, restoring abortion access, and reducing gun violence.
As staunch Democrats, many see the prospect of electing a Black woman president as an empowering opportunity to counter the rhetoric and policies of former President Donald Trump, whom they believe excels at weaponizing hate.
Political analysts recognize that voter turnout in Philadelphia will be critical for Harris. With registered and active Democrats outnumbering Republicans six to one, the city offers a fertile ground for Harris to amass the votes necessary to offset Trump’s anticipated support from suburban areas.
Historically, Philadelphia has played a pivotal role in elections. In 2016, Trump won Pennsylvania by a mere 44,292 votes, significantly aided by a lack of turnout among Black voters in Philadelphia, as well as Democrats and independents who diverged from their usual voting patterns.
The implications are clear: Black voters hold a crucial place in this election, and efforts to engage them are seen as a matter of survival for the Democratic Party.
Concerns about misinformation have heightened as well. In recent weeks, residents have received false letters claiming their homes were selected to house undocumented immigrants, reflecting the intense competition for votes and the desperate measures employed by some factions.
Hobson lives in Mount Airy, a racially integrated neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia. A proud Democrat, her political leanings were evident even before she spoke; she carried a purse adorned with images of the Obama family.
Despite her enthusiasm, she is acutely aware of the political disillusionment surrounding her. Last year, while registering newly eligible voters at local high schools, she encountered a troubling apathy among young men. Many expressed skepticism, asking, “Why would I vote? That doesn’t do anything.”
This sentiment echoes throughout Philadelphia, a city grappling with high poverty rates and economic challenges. With nearly 20% of its population living below the federal poverty line, it’s no surprise that many individuals prioritize survival over civic engagement.
Efforts to register young Black men for the upcoming election have been launched in response to declining turnout rates among this demographic. Marie Dillard, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, offers a contrasting perspective.
Having grown up during pivotal moments in modern American history, including the Sandy Hook shooting and the pandemic, she has a heightened awareness of the stakes involved. Dillard's primary concerns revolve around restoring abortion access and implementing stricter gun control measures.
Hobson shares similar sentiments regarding gun violence in Philadelphia, stating, “In Philadelphia, night after night, we have young people shooting and killing each other for just no reason. It’s a tragedy and a nightmare.” Despite recent statistics indicating a decline in homicides, the pervasive sense of danger remains a significant concern for residents.
As Dillard prepares to vote for the first time, she finds excitement in casting her ballot for a historic candidate in Harris, someone who aligns with her values. She hopes to contribute to a future where women’s rights, gun control, and democratic principles are safeguarded.
Campaign representatives from both the Harris and Trump teams are actively engaged in reaching out to Black voters in Philadelphia. The Harris campaign has established multiple field offices and is employing nontraditional media channels to connect with the community.
Conversely, the Trump campaign has sought to appeal to Black voters by focusing on economic issues and personal experiences, sometimes urging voters to prioritize their own interests over party affiliations.
For many, the decision to vote transcends party loyalty; it embodies the hope for a future that addresses the systemic inequalities facing their communities. Rev. Malcolm T. Byrd, who leads a congregation in West Philadelphia, underscores the importance of investing in the well-being of all citizens. He cautions against a shortsighted view that disregards the long-standing struggles for civil rights and equity.
Byrd highlights the precarious state of democracy, especially in the face of divisive rhetoric and policies. The potential for a Trump presidency to exacerbate existing societal tensions looms large in the minds of many voters, particularly among those who remember the struggles of the past.
As Election Day approaches, the stakes are high, and the mobilization of Black voters will be pivotal. Whether through enthusiasm or apathy, the outcome in Pennsylvania could set the tone for the future of the nation.
For individuals like Hobson and Dillard, the path forward hinges on their ability to voice their concerns, influence the political landscape, and assert their agency in shaping a more equitable future.
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