ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — As residents of Allentown adjust to their lives amid economic challenges, one voice stands out. Idalia Bisbal, a retired 67-year-old who once sought a more affordable life after leaving New York City, now voices her frustrations about the ongoing affordability crisis. It’s worse than ever,” she stated with notable disappointment, lamenting not only the soaring prices of food but also the increasing cost of rent, utilities, and gas.
Her sentiments were echoed during a recent rally led by Vice President JD Vance, who blamed the current economic climate on the Biden administration while asserting that better times lay ahead. This rally, part of the Trump administration’s efforts to rally support in Pennsylvania, comes amid evident economic distress in constituencies pivotal for upcoming elections.
With only 31% of U.S. adults approving of Trump's management of the economy — a drop from 40% earlier this year — discontent amongst voters appears palpable. Bisbal, a self-identified Democrat, encapsulated the struggles of many: In our world, trust me, it’s not an ‘A.’ To me, it’s an ‘F,’ ‘F,’ ‘F,’ ‘F,’ ‘F,’ ‘F.’”
The mood in Allentown, which boasts around 125,000 inhabitants and anchors the Lehigh Valley, suggests a community in distress. High gas prices, soaring health care costs, and grocery bills were cited by numerous locals during interviews, indicating consensus regarding rising expenses — yet a lack of agreement over the political accountability for these difficulties. Residents are fatigued by repeated political theatrics that seem disconnected from daily realities.
Despite Trump's past popularity in the area, the perception of an economy in distress has left local residents yearning for practical solutions rather than political promises. As Democrats set their sights on regaining power, the push to address economic concerns remains at the forefront as Allentown becomes an increasingly pivotal scenario in the upcoming midterms.
