Pennsylvanie : un État baromètre ? | L'Essentiel du Dessous des Cartes | ARTE

Summary

This video explores the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania in the lead-up to the U.S. election. With just six days to go, the state, home to 19 electoral votes, is a focal point for both candidates. It highlights the contrasting demographics between urban areas like Philadelphia, which lean Democrat, and rural regions, where Trump remains popular. The script delves into Pennsylvania's key issues, such as hydraulic fracturing, and features insights into the state's varied regions, including Pittsburgh’s post-industrial struggles and Erie’s role as an election bellwether. The close race here could decide the outcome of the election.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pennsylvania is one of the key battleground states in U.S. elections, often determining the winner due to its 19 electoral votes.
• 😀 The state has a diverse geography, stretching from Lake Erie to the Delaware River, and is influenced by the Appalachian Mountains.
• 😀 In the 2020 election, Joe Biden narrowly won Pennsylvania by just over 80,000 votes, with a slight 50.01% victory.
• 😀 Philadelphia, a diverse and urban city, represents the Democratic-leaning part of Pennsylvania, often showing strong support for Biden.
• 😀 Pittsburgh, once a hub of steel manufacturing, now faces economic challenges, but its population largely supported Biden in 2020 (60%).
• 😀 Rural areas of Pennsylvania, with a predominantly white population, tend to lean more conservative and supported Trump in 2020.
• 😀 Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a major issue in rural areas, with Trump supporting it while Biden's policies aimed to limit it, fueling tensions.
• 😀 The region's struggles with deindustrialization, particularly in cities like Pittsburgh, have led to Trump’s appeal in these areas with his ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan.
• 😀 Erie County, a mix of urban, rural, and suburban populations, has been an accurate predictor of the presidential election winner since 2008.
• 😀 The outcome of Pennsylvania is influenced by the contrast between the state's urban, educated centers and its rural, economically struggling areas.

Q & A

Why is Pennsylvania considered a key battleground state in U.S. elections?

Pennsylvania is a key battleground state because it is one of the seven states with traditionally close election results. It has a significant number of electoral votes (19), which makes it crucial in determining the outcome of the presidential election.

What role did urban and rural areas play in the 2020 election results in Pennsylvania?

In the 2020 election, urban areas like Philadelphia, which are more diverse and educated, leaned Democrat, helping Biden win the state. In contrast, rural areas, with a predominantly white population, largely supported Trump, contributing to a tight race.

What is the significance of Erie County in Pennsylvania elections?

Erie County is considered an important bellwether in Pennsylvania elections. Since 2008, it has consistently predicted the eventual winner of the presidential race, as it reflects a mix of urban, rural, and suburban demographics.

How did Pittsburgh’s industrial history influence its voting patterns in 2020?

Pittsburgh, part of the rust belt, has faced deindustrialization and economic challenges. In 2020, it voted strongly for Biden, but Trump's promise to revitalize the economy could appeal to voters in this region.

What is the impact of hydraulic fracturing on Pennsylvania’s voting patterns?

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a contentious issue in Pennsylvania, especially in rural areas. Trump supports fracking, while Biden’s stance, particularly his opposition to it in some contexts, has been a point of contention. This issue influences voting behavior in these regions.

What geographical features define Pennsylvania’s landscape?

Pennsylvania is characterized by a diverse landscape, including the Appalachian Mountains that run through the state. It spans 480 km from Lake Erie in the north to the Delaware River in the south.

What was the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania?

In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won Pennsylvania by a narrow margin, securing 50.01% of the vote, with a lead of approximately 80,000 votes over Donald Trump.

How did Philadelphia contribute to the 2020 election outcome in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia, a large, diverse, and educated city, played a significant role in securing Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania. It strongly supported Biden, contributing to his overall margin of victory in the state.

Why is Pennsylvania considered one of the seven pivotal states in U.S. elections?

Pennsylvania is one of the seven pivotal states because its election results are typically very close, and it has a large number of electoral votes, making it critical in determining the outcome of presidential races.

What is the political landscape like in rural Pennsylvania?

Rural Pennsylvania is predominantly white and leans Republican, with issues like fracking playing a significant role in the political divide. These areas generally supported Trump in 2020.