In a pivotal election day discussion, analysts focused on key counties in Pennsylvania, a state critical for both Democratic and Republican candidates. Philadelphia, the largest county, emerged as a focal point for Democrats, with historical voting patterns showing a decline in support from 2016 to 2020. Hillary Clinton garnered 83% of the vote in 2016, while Joe Biden's support dropped to 81% in the same area. This trend raises concerns for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to bolster Democratic turnout in a county that is vital for the party's success.
Conversely, Berks County has drawn attention from the Trump campaign, particularly following the former president's recent rally in Reading. The county's demographic composition, with 25% of its population identifying as Hispanic, including a significant Puerto Rican community, could influence voter behavior. While Trump's margins remained stable between 2016 and 2020, Biden's increased percentage in Berks County indicates a potential shift that could impact the overall election results.
As the night unfolds, both parties are keenly aware of the implications these counties hold for their respective campaigns, setting the stage for a closely watched election outcome in Pennsylvania.