Observation from heavily red Western PA

[Joe Cool]

If anyone remembers me telling everyone that Josh Shapiro and John Fetterman in Pennsylvania were shoe-ins based the number of yard signs around for them and their opponents in my area in Western PA in 2022, here’s my observation in 2024. There are a shockingly low number of Trump signs/flags/banners/stickers on vehicles around compared to 2016 and 2020 and those are pretty much on the property of the same MAGAts who have had them out for eight years. No new Trump signs have been popping up. I have seen two Biden/Harris banners (one pre-, one post-debate) on houses I have not seen them on before.
I really think deep down inside most people just want Trump to go away. The hard-core MAGAts will not leave the cult until the Flavor-Aid is served, but my guess is that there are enough Republicans and Independents that just don’t want Trump back in office that he won’t be.
You can argue with me that paraphernalia on properties and vehicles don’t matter, but I am seeing (or not seeing) the same things that I saw in 2022.
The election is still four months away, but the observations traveling around my area are definitely a good sign for Biden and Democrats in a very heavy GOP area.

[viva la]

1. I never put up signs or bumperstickers because I think MAGAts might vandalize.

But I, like most of us, always vote, and that's the only "sign" that counts.

I suspect many MAGA signs are proudly defacing the lawns of people who never vote.

[Joe Cool]

4. Yards sign et al. aren't always telling

but like I said, I am getting the same feelings I had in 2022 when I was pretty much telling everyone Shapiro (+15) and Fetterman (+5) were shoe-ins even AFTER Fetterman’s debate debacle.

[viva la]

12. That's a great point.

I do think we need to highlight Trump's racism to remind voters of what they are AGAINST.

[IbogaProject]

21. Also that even if they don't like Biden

Biden at least has done solid things he said he'd do. The former guy couldn't even have a single Infrastructure PR event, let alone pass anything significant. His only achievements was a stealth delayed tax hike on most taxpayers that is already hitting hard. T45 and the top wealthy only tax bracket is permantly lowered paid with odd tax year hikes on the bottom 70-80% of taxpayers. Joe Biden's spending iniatives were cut below his request and still the biggest ever, spending on jobs and local business fixing all our roads bridges and investing in green energy. It's only fair green energy is getting subsidies as fossil fuels have had price supports and direct gov support for decades. Carter wanted us off foreign oil by 2000 using 1970s tech. Bin Laden and Putin would not have had money to cause havoc but instead we had 12 years of middle class collapse. Bush 1 committed treason a Iran Contra and flooding us with crack and wasting millions on prisons while crime rates were declining. The GOP doesn't care about the middle class.

[Blue Full Moon]

29. Same here

Yes they do

[PeaceWave]

48. Where I live, it's considered to be trashy to put up a political sign.

Everyone respects everyone else's political privacy. I fly an American flag as do a few other folks here and there. No campaign signage, even during election season. It's a nice suburb in the Bay Area. Nobody here has an axe to grind or anything to prove and we like it that way.

[NoRethugFriends]

51. Sounds delightful (not)😬

[whathehell]

60. "Trashy"?..That's a strange, not to mention

elitist as hell attutude toward those publicly engaging in democracy..I'm glad I don't live in your neighborhood.

[magicarpet]

2. THX for sharing your observations on political signage.

[GenThePerservering]

3. I ride my bike through what used to be Trump Country

and have seen no new Trump signs, worship flags or anything else. What few Trump signs I did see were old, time-beaten ones from 2020, one in front of a falling down old shack where I'm not sure anyone even lived. My husband has remarked on the same thing.

Walked by a big SUV with a new "Let's Go Brandon" bumpersticker on it and burst out laughing - sorry, little gopper, but we've snagged that code word and it is now Dark Brandon. Guess no one has clued them in.

[gab13by13]

5. I live in central Pa. in the middle of Magats,

and I agree with your thread.

I just hope that Dems keep up with McCormick in airing campaign ads, McCormick ads have been all over TV. Finally starting to see more Caseys TV ads.

[DemocratInPa]

7. McCormick is as crazy as they come and I am concerned

He is going to beat Casey and we are going to lose the seat...

I think one poll has Casey up by 3-5 points, but McCormick is going crazy on ads, Casey isn't.

[DemocraticPatriot]

23. It is early for congressional GE ads-- but if McCormick is running them early,

the Casey campaign needs to respond...

As a supporter of Casey, you might voice your concern to that campaign.

[BumRushDaShow]

54. "but if McCormick is running them early, the Casey campaign needs to respond... "

Casey is running ads here in Philly non-stop since early spring (in between the Biden ads). I have yet to "see" (on TV) or "hear" (on radio) any McCormick ads, which is a switch from how Oz campaigned (maybe because his wife bought a house outside of Philly and they normally lived in Jersey vs McCormick living in CT, so he threw more at the eastern side of the state ).

I remember back when Teabagger Toomey was running for re-election in 2016, where he literally ran his ads early and often and that propelled him back into office back then (his seat has since been replaced by Fetterman when he decided not to run again in 2022).

[Deminpenn]

65. There are Casey ads on here in western Pa

McCormick campaign ads are mainly about how he's a West Point grad and his Army service. But there's some R PAC running "be afraid" type ads against both Biden and Casey.

[Celerity]

33. Obviously ANY Rethug is an absolute pronger, but he sounded a we less fashie-cray than some (perhaps he has changed now)

Either way he is an absolute shitehawk.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_McCormick

2021 U.S. Capitol attack

McCormick expressed regret over the 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol. He said the attack marks "a dark chapter in American history" and "puts a highlight on the responsibility of leaders to be able to create a dialogue where people are understood." He also said "I think [Trump] has some responsibility, a lot of responsibility for [the attack], and I think that this last dark chapter at the Capitol...history will look very unfavorably on that and all the people that were involved in that."

Free trade

McCormick has highlighted the benefits of free trade, stating in 2008 that "the key to remaining competitive in today's changing world is embracing openness to trade and to investment and to people". In more recent times, he has supported President Trump's America First policy, indicating a shift. In the past, he has seemed to argue that the benefits of free trade outweighed the downside of displacing American workers and suggested retraining those whose jobs have become obsolete. He also opposed U.S. exports which gave advantages to China's military. In 2009, McCormick and Karan Bhatia co-wrote an opinion piece for Wall Street Journal Asia supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Foreign policy

McCormick has championed the role of a strong United States on the world stage and has advocated for the idea that the United States can focus on addressing domestic issues while also leading efforts to promote human rights. In 2016 he stated, "If we are to promote equality and pluralism around the world, we must walk towards, rather than away from, our unique success in advancing these values at home while still embracing the idea that America is, and always will be, a work in progress".

China

In 2007, McCormick spoke as a member of the Bush administration in Beijing, China, where he said that "When China succeeds, the United States succeeds..." and that the United States owes "much of the strength and vitality of our economic relationship today to the remarkable success of China's economic development over the last three decades..." As a member of the Bush administration, McCormick pushed China to raise the value of its currency. He later praised President Trump's administration for measures to counter China.

Immigration

McCormick has called for increasing skilled immigration to the United States. He also supports building a wall on the US-Mexico border.

LGBTQ rights

In 2013, McCormick joined 131 other Republicans in signing an amicus brief filed at the United States Supreme Court supporting the legalization of gay marriage prior to Obergefell v. Hodges. During McCormick's tenure as CEO of Bridgewater Associates, the company's policy was to fully pay for gender transition surgery. During his campaign for Senate, McCormick stated that he opposes federal funding towards gender transition surgeries and transgender girls participating in girls competitive sports.

[brooklynite]

6. You are right that "most people just want Trump to go away"...

...but they want a measure of comfort with the alternative. That's what the Biden campaign team needs to focus on.

[oldsoftie]

8. I think it matters the opposite from 2016

Back then, some people who backed trump were embarrassed to admit it but voted for him in private.
Today, its the opposite; people are terrified to openly say they DONT support trump. Maybe those people will do the right thing in the privacy of the voting booth

[Attilatheblond]

9. Seeing same here in AZ

Lots of signs for GOP down ballot candidates. GOP is sending $$, but the only Trump signs are old, battered, faded and yes, in the yards of crazy die hard MAGAs with chips on their shoulders.

The AZ GOP is working the down ballot and pretty much ignoring the guy who tried to get them to openly break the laws for him last time. The public doesn't seem to remember who ran against Biden in 2020.

Keep talking POLICY and work like hell for Biden AND the down ballot. County elections are critical. One of the two supervisors who almost got all of my county's ballots tossed out is running again. He is under indictment for his illegal crap, done at the behest of national GOP operatives.

Think nationally, and work locally. Trump is noise and I truly think most people are sick and tired of his noise. They aren't pouring into his rallies. He is noise.

[liberalla]

16. I agree with your observations here in AZ! Just wanted to chime in...

[DownriverDem]

10. I sure hope so

My husband is so depressed after seeing the debate. He will vote for Biden, but doesn't think he'll win now. I've tried to console him, but he just thinks Americans are stupid.

[exoskeleton]

35. Don't worry. Biden has him where he wants him.

It's the old Ali to ropa-dope act. He'll knock him on his ass in the end.

[Cheezoholic]

11. Same here. The usual wakadoodles that still have badly faded Felon/Pence 2016/2020

I assume part of it is the Felon hasn't picked a sidecar yet for new signs etc. The rash of Repuke primary signs are gone and they aren't replaced yet, which is very unusual for around here, they usually roll right through to the election. I wonder if he's really soaking into down ticket cash as much as rumored.

[FloridaBlues]

13. I haven't seen many trump stickers either in my red district

They were everywhere in 16& 20. Even had trump stores selling his crap. Not now. Not saying they won’t vote for him but it is noticeable.

[NBachers]

37. Yeah, can you imagine the ridiculousness of a *rump store opening in 2024?

[lindysalsagal]

53. Thete's a gun shop near me that puts out a scf tent sometimes

In 2024.

[LiberalFighter]

14. There are many reasons people won't vote for him compared to 2020.

Trump added more reasons on Thursday.

[pnwmom]

15. This is encouraging. Thanks for sharing! nt

[Charging Triceratops]

17. Western PA is anything but "heavily red"

In 2020, the more affluent areas in suburban Pittsburgh had nothing but Biden signs except for a few goofballs in the Trump cult. Go further from the city, out into the sticks, and that's where you'd find Trump signs. But still not that many. The PA divide isn't as much rich/poor as educated/ignorant.

[live love laugh]

22. The OP said in their area of W PA ...

[AZLD4Candidate]

32. I'm in Lawrence County. Lemon Mike's district. R+18. My district is extremely red.

[liberalla]

18. I remember your previous posts from 2022, and appreciate your current observations!

Thanks!

[bucolic_frolic]

19. Trump had more success demonizing HRC because she wasn't an incumbent

Biden has the Office of the President behind him, a sound economy, good jobs, and good policies for people.

What is Trump selling? Paranoia? Hatred? BS? Racism? Destroying the government. Like a Nazi. Tell me what I missed.

[AZ8theist]

24. What did you miss? His INCREDIBLE STUPIDITY.

[SomedayKindaLove]

42. Something about sharks I think

[AverageOldGuy]

20. In my rural VA county

It's only June and the MAGAts tend to go crazier after Labor Day. My county went 72% and 70% for Trump in 2016 and 2020.

Still, I have seen one Trump flag so far; a friend reports her batshit crazy MAGAt neighbors have replaced their old one with a new one, but that's about the size of it.

Three Republican friends have told me they cannot and will not vote for Biden but they will not vote for Trump, just leave the ballot blank. While they may change their minds, I believe they will do exactly that -- not vote for Trump.

[AZLD4Candidate]

34. Republicans leaving it blank is just as good as a vote for Biden.

[somaticexperiencing]

25. good to hear!!!

[oasis]

26. They've had enough of the Orange Turd's antics.

[Music Man]

27. Let's hope!

I think there are a lot of lessons we can take from Fetterman's campaign in 2022. So many were despondent after the Fetterman-Oz debate, but the narrative quickly changed back to one of a champion of ordinary people vs. a show business personality, and Fetterman won.

[MOMFUDSKI]

28. Still waiting for the first yahoo at my condo

to fly their clown freak flag.

[Wicked Blue]

30. I'm in heavily repuke Ocean County NJ

And I'm starting to see Biden signs, which pleases me greatly.

[GreenWave]

31. I have notice the same as calmly tool around the red area of my county.

My county voted for Joe Biden. This was the first time they had come to their sense since JFK. If only Elaine Luria had not tried to distance herself from Biden, we may not have lying lazy Jen Kiggans in office.

[OMGWTF]

36. I have been on a decades-long quest to see all 50 states and I have five left in fly-over country.

I am not getting any younger and have decided to complete this goal in September, starting in Oklahoma and ending in North Dakota. Fun fact: If you go to the Fargo/Moorhead Visitor Center and declare that you "Saved the best for last" you will be honored with a certificate, a t-shirt, and a round of applause from the staff. We're flying home to the Left Coast from beautiful blue Minneapolis. It will be interesting to be so deep into Trumpland right before the election. I plan to keep my eyes open, and my mouth shut.

I made a similar trip in 2016 from DC to Chicago, then to Memphis, Nashville, and NOLA, where I finally saw my first Hillary sign. Thank Goddess our Airbnb hosts were Dems.

[rubbersole]

38. It's the same around Edgewater, FL.

Very few signs or bumper stickers for tsf. Kinda used to be everywhere. Getting rid of Rick Scott is my blue tsunami dream.

[NBachers]

39. Joe Cool, I remember your reports from the field. I'm encouraged that you see similar signs this year. Keep us posted!

[czarjak]

40. Once was too much.

[MotownPgh]

41. Plenty of brand spanking new Trump 2024

flags furled in South strabane washington county pa.

[lees1975]

43. I lived in Butler County in 2016, and it was Trump land everywhere.

People would comment, when they drove down to Allegheny county how the signs changed. I agree, in the rural areas of Indiana and Wisconsin, outside Chicago, in 2020 there were quite a few Trump signs. Last time I drove from Chicago up to Grand Rapids Michigan, I could count the Trump signs on two hands. Along the roads in Kenosha county, where I volunteer with the local democratic precinct, they are actually fewer in number than the Biden signs.

[flashman13]

44. I live in Redlandia and my observations are the same as yours.

[ShazzieB]

45. I sgree about most people wanting him to go away.

There are plenty of people who are just sick and tired of him, whether they're aware of the existential threat he poses or not.

I also believe that there aren't nearly as many hard core, ride or die Trump supporters as there were in 2016 or 2020. I can't prove that, but I feel it very strongly.

[SupportSanity]

46. Thanks for all the reporting. This might be better than polls.

[Butterflies]

47. I recently saw 2 yard signs for KENNEDY

here in my red county in SW Virginia. I haven't seen Trump signs like I did 4 years ago, though I've seen a couple Trump 24 bumper stickers. It's possible that the Trump signs will be put up in the coming weeks, but maybe not. I was very surprised by the Kennedy signs - I had almost forgotten he was even in the race.

[Norbert]

49. In my blood red Ohio district.

About the only tRump signs and such are about 1/2 dozen tRump/MAGA flags that have been up for a few years.

[Azathoth]

50. Only the cult really want Trump. But that doesn't mean people will vote for Biden

Especially if they're convinced he's a shuffling nursing home patient.

In my experience, most non-lunatic Trump voters have learned to be quiet about their preferences, but that doesn't mean their preferences have changed, just that they feel uncomfortable advertising them. Sure, if given a less tiresome alternative like Haley, many of them would be happy to vote for her. But talk to them in person after a drink or two and you'll get told how Biden has sold us out to China and Mexico and Trump has some good ideas but the liberal gestapo in the media and the courts persecute him for it. Oh, and they're not antivax but those dangerously experimental dna-altering covid vaccines should make you think twice about voting for authoritarian liberals.

These people haven't changed, even if they're tired of Trump's drama.

[The Wandering Harper]

52. the house over this way that had a gigantic

"Let's Go Brandon" banner in their yard now has a normal-sized Bob campaign sign

[et tu]

55. rural pa here

still seeing flags and signs and
have a hard time understanding why.
though not as many, still ....

[AllyCat]

56. We have a conservative on the main drag in our town.

He always has signs up for every race, local or national. He has this year too…but no Felon45 sign.

[Phoenix61]

57. I live in the deep red Florida Panhandle. No where near

the number of Trump anything. No trucks flying his giant flag nothing much at all. The Trump store has been flooding the local radio stations with adds and I don’t think they’d be doing that if business was booming.

[PennRalphie]

58. I live in western PA as well

There’s no support for Trump here. The Republicans don’t support him. I’m sticking to my prediction that Biden wins PA handily and wins the election. I’m not seeing any signs for anyone around here. But, it’s vacation season big time here in the suburbs, probably 25% of my friends and neighbors are away on any given day.

Now having said that, Biden really needs to recover from that debate. He should hold a totally unscripted press conference to prove how well he knows the issues. His strength is foreign policy. His advisors need to let him loose to talk to America. We need all the votes we can get. The reluctant republicans will vote for Biden if they feel the debate was just an off night. We need to send a strong message that the days of Trump are over.

[Torchlight]

59. Rightwing enthusiasm around here (DFW area in N. TX) seems an all-time low

Fellas in the coffee shop who, four years ago were wearing that garish Magga stuff, are instead dressing for their jobs instead of a campaign pep rally. Political Signage on seemingly permanent display throughout the community since 2020 have been noticeably absent since this spring ('We're just bringing 'em in for the rain!' 'Sorry, boys! Spring rain's been over with for three weeks now!').

I'm getting the feeling that Mr. trump's Sell-By date was reached when he became the biggest loser and left with a violent tantrum; just didn't sit right with a lotta old-timers around here.

[Brainstormy]

61. Our HOA does not allow yard signs

I've wondered before if this isn't a first amendment issue, but so far there's compliance. I'm in a blue suburb but I'd still like to see the signs.

[Lunabell]

62. In the small town where I live, a small parts and RV lot had a #rump 2020 sign up for a long time.

There's no 2024 sign this year. Hmm...

[berksdem]

63. I am in

East central PA and it is the same here.

[Simeon Salus]

64. I would echo this in mostly rural northern Illinois and southern WI.

Not as many crazies out flying anti-American flags as were.

[Deminpenn]

66. Here in my little corner

of Beaver County, I've kept an eye on the houses that had Trump signs in 2020. Haven't seen any yet, but no Biden signs either and just a few for local candidates.

The family a few houses up from me had many signs out from 2016 thru and past Nov 2020. Then they disappeared and there have been 0 yard signs since except for a school board candidate who lost and the sign was quickly taken down.

[Beartracks]

68. That's as valid a reason as any for Republicans to vote for Biden: to just make Trump finally go away.

What a friggin' embarrassment and danger to have Trump as the poster-boy of your party. And with so many Republican politicians fawning over him, the rank and file are going to have to throw a whole bunch of those turds out of office before they can even begin to clean the pool.

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