Vice President Kamala Harris visited Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Friday for a tightly controlled, invitation-only campaign stop that left many locals questioning her approach.

The event took place at Classic Elements, a small local bookstore, and was focused on discussions about small business plans, but Harris’s limited interaction with the public sparked criticism from residents who felt she avoided connecting with the town’s working-class population, as the Post Millennial reports.

Harris’s visit came under scrutiny as critics claimed she sidestepped the local working poor while former President Donald Trump held a more accessible rally in the same town just weeks earlier.

Johnstown, a town with a long history of economic struggles dating back to the 1977 flood that decimated its mining and steel industries, has become a key battleground in the race for working-class voters.

Trump won the town and its surrounding county in both 2016 and 2020, capturing 67% of the vote each time. His ability to connect with working-class voters has reshaped political affiliations in areas like Johnstown, which were historically strongholds for the Democratic Party.

Trump’s Rally Draws Thousands in Contrast to Harris’s Limited Stop

On Sept. 4, Trump held an open rally in Johnstown that drew over 6,000 attendees, filling the venue to capacity. Overflow crowds gathered outside, where a jumbotron was set up to accommodate those who could not get inside. Unlike Harris's invitation-only event, Trump’s rally was open to anyone who registered, drawing significant local support from a population that has increasingly gravitated toward his message.

Meanwhile, Harris’s visit, though focused on small businesses, was seen by some as a missed opportunity to engage with a broader segment of the population. Her decision to hold a private event in a town where many struggle economically led to accusations that she was “hiding” from the working poor. As Harris drove through town, her motorcade passed by numerous Trump signs, a visual reminder of the strong support Trump continues to enjoy in this area.

Critics Accuse Harris of Avoiding Working Poor

The criticism was not limited to just the exclusivity of Harris’s event. Ed Luce, a local undecided voter, voiced his frustrations, saying, “She’s hiding from most of the people. She needs to convince a lot of the working poor people.” His comments reflect a broader sentiment that Harris and the Biden administration may be out of touch with the concerns of working-class voters, particularly in economically distressed areas like Johnstown.

Another local, Jim Ardary, who identified as a voter, echoed this sentiment by noting a shift in party dynamics. “Old school Democrats are what the Republicans are now,” Ardary said, highlighting the growing disconnect between traditional Democratic platforms and the realities of the working class.

Union Support Wavers As Many Back Trump

Even among union workers, historically a key base for the Democratic Party, support for Trump remains strong. Greg Daducra, vice president of the United Steelworkers Local 2632, expressed his continued belief that the Democratic Party still represents the working man’s interests. However, he acknowledged that many union members plan to vote for Trump in the upcoming election, illustrating the complex political landscape in places like Johnstown.

Daducra’s remarks highlight a growing divide within labor circles, where workers feel increasingly alienated by the Democratic Party’s focus on other issues while economic concerns remain paramount for them. Many, including those in unions, have gravitated toward Trump, who has positioned himself as a champion of blue-collar workers.

Johnstown’s Economic Struggles Shape Political Views

Johnstown’s economic history is central to understanding its political dynamics. The town, once a thriving center of steel and coal production, was hit hard by the 1977 flood, which wiped out the industries that supported the local economy. Since then, many residents have faced economic hardships, with few industries stepping in to replace the lost jobs. This economic backdrop has made Johnstown a key area for both parties to win over, particularly as working-class voters increasingly shift away from the Democratic Party.

Harris’s stop in Johnstown was intended to promote her administration’s support for small businesses, but the exclusive nature of the event seemed to alienate some voters in a town where economic concerns dominate. Many felt that her limited engagement with the broader community was a missed opportunity to address the pressing needs of local residents, particularly the working poor.

Political Trends Shift As Harris Faces Pressure

Harris’s visit also comes at a time when the Biden-Harris campaign has been criticized for avoiding direct media engagement during campaign stops, further fueling concerns about transparency and accessibility. While her event focused on policy discussions with local business owners, the decision to keep the gathering small and invitation-only stood in stark contrast to Trump’s wide-reaching rally.

The political trends in Johnstown mirror a national shift, where working-class voters who once aligned with the Democratic Party are now moving toward the Republican side, driven by Trump’s populist rhetoric. This shift has left the Biden-Harris campaign with the challenge of reconnecting with a demographic that once formed the core of the Democratic base.

Conclusion

Kamala Harris’s controlled, invitation-only stop in Johnstown, PA, has drawn criticism for its lack of engagement with the broader local community, particularly the working poor.

In contrast, Donald Trump’s recent rally in the same town drew large crowds and highlighted his continued appeal among working-class voters.

As the political landscape shifts, both parties are grappling with how to address the needs of economically distressed towns like Johnstown, where voters are reconsidering long-standing party loyalties.

The Biden-Harris campaign now faces increased pressure to connect with voters in battleground areas as the election approaches.