Former President Donald Trump continues to command a loyal following in Pennsylvania, particularly after surviving an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler in July.

According to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Trump's bond with the state has only grown stronger, cementing a "special place" for him among many Pennsylvania voters, as Fox News reports.

During a conversation at the 2024 Atlantic Festival with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Fetterman voiced his concerns about the former president's enduring influence in Pennsylvania.

He pointed out that Trump's signs and support are highly visible across the state, especially after the failed assassination attempt in July.

Assassination Attempt Sparks Increased Support

In July, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while speaking at a rally in Butler. The gunman, who was neutralized on the scene, left Trump with a minor wound to his head. Despite the frightening incident, Trump's followers rallied around him, which, according to Fetterman, only solidified his influence in the region.

"Trump has created a special kind of hold within the coronet he’s remade -- the party -- and he has a special kind of place in Pennsylvania, and I think that only deepened after the first assassination attempt," Fetterman said during the interview.

Since the attack, there has been no noticeable decline in Trump's political momentum. Fetterman pointed out that his signs have become ubiquitous across Pennsylvania, showing just how committed his base remains.

Harris' Polling Lead Draws Fetterman's Skepticism

With President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race, Vice President Kamala Harris has taken the mantle as the Democratic nominee. Polls indicate a tight race between Harris and Trump in Pennsylvania, with Harris holding a slight lead in recent surveys. A Washington Post poll places Harris at 48% to Trump’s 47%, while a New York Times poll shows her with 50% to Trump’s 46%.

Despite these numbers, Fetterman remains skeptical of Harris' chances in the state. He drew a comparison to the 2016 election, in which Hillary Clinton led in Pennsylvania polls but ultimately lost the state to Trump. "Everybody thought that it was in the bag, but that’s not the energy and the other kinds of things that were really consistent with what I’m witnessing all across," he explained.

Trump's Persistent Presence Across State

Fetterman observed that even after the assassination attempt, Trump’s presence remains strong throughout Pennsylvania. The former president's political signs and symbols are still widely seen in both urban and rural areas. Fetterman noted the unique energy and determination of Trump's supporters in the state.

"I joked that his signs became like the state flower -- and you see that everywhere," Fetterman quipped, reflecting on the widespread visibility of Trump’s influence.

This deep-rooted support among Pennsylvanians presents a significant challenge to Harris, as Fetterman believes that Trump’s backing has only intensified since the failed attempt on his life. Fetterman also remarked on the emotional and angry energy that exists among voters in Pennsylvania, suggesting that many remain strongly aligned with Trump.

Comparison to 2016 Election Prompts Dem Concern

Fetterman’s skepticism of Harris’ lead in the polls stems from his experience in 2016 when Trump defied expectations and carried Pennsylvania despite trailing in the polls leading up to the election. He warned that the current numbers showing a narrow lead for Harris might not tell the full story.

"And then, sadly, we saw what happened," Fetterman said, alluding to the 2016 upset.

Pollsters and political analysts are keeping a close eye on Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, as both parties gear up for a contentious 2024 election. Fetterman’s remarks highlight concerns within the Democratic camp about overconfidence in Harris' polling numbers, especially given Pennsylvania’s unpredictable voting patterns in recent elections.

Conclusion: Trump's Enduring Appeal in Pennsylvania

In the aftermath of the failed assassination attempt, Donald Trump’s popularity in Pennsylvania seems undiminished.

Fetterman’s remarks at the Atlantic Festival underscore how the attack may have even deepened his supporters' loyalty in the state, making it a key battleground in the 2024 election.

With Kamala Harris leading in the polls by a narrow margin, Fetterman expressed doubts, warning of potential similarities to Hillary Clinton’s ill-fated 2016 campaign.

As election day approaches, the focus remains on Pennsylvania, where Trump’s signs and influence show no signs of fading.