https://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2020-54528974
At the Trump rally in Arizona, reporter Sophie Long asks Trump supporters outside of the venue whether they think the Coronavirus will have an impact on the way people vote. Many of the attendees at the venue were not wearing masks and are typically not fans of the media, making this task hard for reporter Long.
Some said it absolutely will because the media has blammed Trump for the outbreak of the virus and have frightened the citizens of the United States, while others say his experience with the virus has made him “more human”. However, even with the mass groups of people attending Trump’s rally in Arizona, and the red state it has been in previous years, does not reflect the majority of political views in the state today.
In recent years things have dramatically changed in Arizona that could affect the outcome of the 2020 election. In the past 30 years the Latino population has nearly doubled, as well as a migration of young adults from democratic states. The state has shifted to a more diverse and democratic region in the United States.
On this same day VP Biden and senator Kamala Harris are also campaigning in Arizona. However, a much different scene is depicted. Biden and Harris visit small buisnesses in Pheonix where everyone is social distancing and wearing masks. People tell reporter Long, Trumps denial of the virus can only hurt him and result in more people voting democrat. Others say the fact 1/2 of the White House has been infected proves his mismanagement with the virus.
Lastly, reporter Long visits an Annual Arizona Bike Week. As she talks to people in the parking lot she finds that quite a few express scepticism of the polls, how coronavirus cases are counted, and how the votes will turn out in the upcoming month. While President Trump has a hold over his supporters at his rally and this Bike Fest, the polls swing to VP Biden in the state.
It is to be seen in this article that there is major contrast between the different scenes at each presidential candidates’ campaigns and rallys. While at one end, Trump’s events are commonly seen with large, loud groups of people disregarding CDC guidelines, whereas, Biden has attracted smaller, quieter groups who continue to wear masks and social distance. The divison and tension between both political parties continue to rise and leave many americans anxious about the turnout of the election. Both presidential candidates realize the importance of Arizona, as well as other swing-states which could affect the electoral college vote.
The division between the people in Arizona can be perceived as a future in-state conflict along with many other states. America as a whole has not been this divided since the Civil War and the final turnout of this election could very much result in another one. Americans see in their day-to-day life the importance and pressure of this election and the hand in which holds the future for our country and the world. With America being the global power it is, one would be naive to think this does not affect anyone else in the world. The voter turnout in Arizona can affect the electoral college vote, which contributes to the result of America’s future president. The President’s policies, morals and views can impact other foregin countries, the U.S’s relationships and the reverbation of war or peace with other countries. It is all connected and it all starts with the small state of Arizona.