Analysing the impact of the manufacturing industry collapse on voters in the Rust Belt reveals significant socio-economic and political dynamics. This article delves into the sentiments of two residents from Saginaw, Michigan, and Erie, Pennsylvania.
- Hurley Coleman III and Phil Kerner provide insights into the economic transformation of their communities.
- The manufacturing collapse has deeply affected these regions, with a shift from traditional industries to new economic avenues.
- Both individuals express disparate political preferences shaped by their personal experiences and observations.
- Their stories offer perspective on the broader implications for the upcoming presidential election.
Hurley Coleman III provides a firsthand account of the palpable tension in Saginaw, Michigan, where the community is striving to adapt and grow amidst significant economic challenges. He states, “Our region has been screaming and crying out, ‘Hey, we’re here. We’re trying to change. We’re trying to grow. Look at all the things we’re doing,’” yet only receiving attention as a battleground county.
Similarly, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Phil Kerner reminisces about the once-bustling industrial corridor on 12th Street, now a shadow of its former self. He recalls, “You’d drive down that industrial corridor on 12th Street, just full shops. Just full shops. Amazing,” contrasting it with the present-day scenario where it is “pretty decimated now”.
Both Saginaw and Erie serve as crucial political bellwethers. These regions, which have swung between candidates in recent elections, reflect the broader economic battleground of the Rust Belt, marked by the decline of manufacturing due to globalization.
Coleman recounts the transformation of Saginaw’s economy from one dominated by General Motors to a more diversified industrial base, with significant investments in electric vehicles and healthcare sectors. Despite these advances, the community faces persistent challenges including poverty and violence, which Coleman’s nonprofit seeks to address.
Kerner, a passionate tool and die maker, shares his concerns about the decline of his trade. He underscores the shift to overseas production and its impact on local jobs, noting, “It’s sad to see it as somebody who has experienced the zenith of manufacturing from the 50s up until the 90s”. His YouTube channel, ‘The Tool and Die Guy’, highlights his commitment to preserving the craftsmanship and discussing the trade’s future.
Politically, Kerner leans towards Trump, driven by a clear-eyed assessment of his personal economic circumstances and the broader business community’s support. He states, “I always tell people I’m not a Republican, I’m a realist… Probably going to call Trump” due to his and his colleagues’ economic outlook.
Conversely, Coleman expresses nervousness about the future under a Trump administration, concerned about the impact of fiscal policies on federal support for his nonprofit’s operations. He supports Harris, viewing her potential presidency as an opportunity for substantive policy change and renewed hope in Saginaw.
Coleman points to the growing optimism following Biden’s decision to step down and Harris’s nomination, noting a shift in the conversation towards the potential positive outcomes of her presidency. This is evident in the community’s increased optimism and the awaited transformation symbolised by the renewed vibrancy in Saginaw’s landscape.
The contrasting perspectives of Coleman and Kerner underscore the complex socio-economic and political landscape of the Rust Belt, highlighting the diverse factors influencing voter decisions.
