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Exclusive poll: Harris, Trump tied in Pennsylvania as election day approaches

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Exclusive poll: Harris, Trump tied in Pennsylvania as election day approaches


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With days before Tuesday’s Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are neck-and-neck in Pennsylvania, one of several key swing states that could determine the winner, a new exclusive USA TODAY/Suffolk poll shows.

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Harris and Trump are tied with 49% of the vote each, according to a statewide poll of 500 likely voters conducted from Oct. 27 to 30 with a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.

A poll of 300 likely voters in Erie County, which could indicate which way the state trends, was also tied 48% to 48%. Northampton County, another Pennsylvania bellwether, leaned slightly towards Trump, with 50% saying they supported him, to Harris’ 48%. The results of the county polls are within the margin of error of 5.65 percentage points. 

Together, David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, said, the county and statewide data show Pennsylvania is “truly a toss up.” 

“We have all the results within the margin of error … it’s basically a statistical tie,” Paleologos said.

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Pennsylvania holds 19 electoral votes – the most out of the swing states. Both candidates have campaigned in the state this week. Trump held a rally in Allentown on Tuesday, while Harris visited Harrisburg on Wednesday.

Biden won Pennsylvania by a razor-thin margin of one percentage point in 2020. He flipped both Erie and Northampton County, which Trump had won in 2016.

The state is part of the “blue wall,” a group of states that voted blue in recent federal elections, until Trump won three of them – Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin – in 2016.

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Undecided and third-party voters

Most voters in Pennsylvania have already decided who to support, but with the race as tight as it is, the small percentage of undecideds could sway the results of the election in the state – and the country. 

So could third-party candidates. In Pennsylvania, there are two options outside of Trump and Harris on the ballot – Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian Party candidate Chase Oliver. They each notched 1% or less support in the USA TODAY/Suffolk poll. 

But if the election in Pennsylvania is as close as polls suggest it could be, a candidate with .5% could tip the scale for Harris or Trump, Paleologos said. 

Jason Danner, 38, is among the few still undecided voters left in Pennsylvania. 

While Danner said he believes that Trump was a good president, he has concerns that Trump uses “divisive” and “undemocratic” rhetoric and “seems to not respect the Constitution.” On the other hand, he’s worried that Harris would continue the policies of Biden.

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A registered Democrat, when Danner ultimately gets into the voting booth, he said he’s “most likely” going to vote for Harris. But he’ll just do so begrudgingly.

“I voted my whole life,” he said. “This is almost the first election where I’m like, I don’t even want to vote because I’ve become so apathetic to our political climate.”

Sean Doyle said he plans to vote, but will leave the presidential box blank. After casting a vote for Biden last election cycle, Doyle said he can’t accept that Harris wasn’t chosen in a primary process.

“We needed an honest primary, and that was taken from us,” he said. “I can’t abide voting for the candidate whose party thinks it’s OK to snub the voters like that.”

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A veteran who served for 12 years, Doyle said his politics most align with the Libertarian Party, but feels that casting a third-party vote would be a waste of his ballot. In 2020, he decided at the last minute against supporting Trump after he “remembered all the things that he said negatively about veterans.”

While he favors Democrats’ economic policy, he feels increasingly “disillusioned” with the party.

“I’ve been seeing less and less and less when it comes to anything that actually helps me,” he said.

The gender gap

Nationally, Harris is leading decisively among women and Trump has garnered a similar edge with men.

And in Pennsylvania, that gender gap is “very pronounced,” Paleologos said. 

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Trump is up by 20 points among men in Pennsylvania, 57% to 37%, while Harris has an 18% hold on women over Trump, 57% to 39%. That’s compared to Trump’s 16-point advantage among men nationally and Harris 17-point advantage among women.

“Where the rubber hits the road is in the married couple’s household,” Paleologos said. “It’s the married women and married men who are struggling with this election because they’re talking about it under their roof.”

Kathleen Keshgegian, 42, said women’s rights are central to why she already cast her ballot for Harris. “I have two daughters, and that’s my big issue,” she said. 

“I have terminated a pregnancy, and if I didn’t have that option, I think my life would be totally different, and most likely not a good way,” said Keshgegian, a stay-at-home mom of three kids, aged 11, 8, and 6, who lives in Oreland, a Philadelphia suburb.

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Although Keshgegian voted in 2020 for President Biden because she felt he was the best choice, she “would prefer someone younger, more in tune with a change in the government, as opposed to the same old white men,” she said. She feels more connected to Harris, who she finds more relatable and compassionate and less divisive.

Keshgegian said Trump may be able to bring down prices, and she understands people may vote for him for that reason. But she can’t abide by what she sees as his other characteristics. “He’s rude, he’s sexist. I’m pretty sure he’s a criminal,” she said.

“I’d rather have less money in my pocket than have someone with his ideals.”

That calculus weighs differently for others. 

Luanne McDonald, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, said she has “mixed emotions” about the election and views both Trump and Harris as “terrible” candidates. A self-described independent, McDonald doesn’t agree with Trump’s stances on abortion or women’s rights, but believes Harris is “weak and wishy-washy.” 

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She voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020 and plans to again on Nov. 5.  When it comes to the issues that matter most to her – the economy and law and order – McDonald said she feels Trump will do a better job.  

“I could buy a Babka at my Whole Foods when he was president, I can’t afford it now,” McDonald, a former nurse, said, referring to a traditional Jewish sweet bread. “I’ve never felt poor until now.”

Unsurprisingly, more than 70% of people who viewed current economic conditions as poor said they supported Trump. Harris outperformed Trump with those who believed the economy was in fair, good or excellent shape. 

Eric Huhn, 62, plans to vote Republican, from Trump all the way to the bottom of the ticket.

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The owner of a house painting and wallpaper business in Chalfont, about 30 miles north of Philadelphia, Huhn said economic issues are his top priority. “Being self-employed, nothing affects me more than what the government does to the economy,” he said.

He believes the Republican platform can deliver.

Cheaper energy “will help bring down cost of goods, less regulation will also help encourage growth to business,” he said. “I like Republicans for their more conservative viewpoints about spending and limited government.”

Trevor Borchelt, from Berks County, Pa., describes himself as a Reagan-era Republican, who believes in fiscal conservatism and moral responsibility. But he said the party has lost sight of those ideals under Trump and plans to vote for Harris on Election Day, citing “democracy” as his biggest concern.

“I don’t disagree with some of Trump’s policies,” Borchelt, 44, said, noting the former president’s tax and pro-manufacturing policies. “But if you don’t pass the bar of accepting the results of an election, [you] don’t get to be involved in a democratic election.”  

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Trump is facing multiple criminal trials for efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and has refused to say that he would accept the outcome of the 2024 race.

Borchelt has never cast a ballot for Trump – in 2016 he voted for Libertarian Party candidate Barry Johnson and in 2020 he supported Biden. This year, he said, he hopes that Trump will lose, and politics will return to “honest debates about real issues, instead of all the name calling and the violence and ugliness.”

“I’m kind of fed up,” he said.



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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Passes Bitcoin Rights Bill, Proposes Strategic Reserve

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Pennsylvania Passes Bitcoin Rights Bill, Proposes Strategic Reserve


Pennsylvania is stepping into the digital future with bold legislation aimed at solidifying its role as a leader in the emerging digital asset economy. On October 23, 2024, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 2481—dubbed the “Bitcoin Rights” bill by Dennis Porter, co-founder of the Satoshi Action Fund—with a decisive 176–26 bipartisan vote. This legislation positions Pennsylvania among states at the forefront of digital asset regulation and underscores its commitment to fostering innovation in the sector while addressing critical issues like economic empowerment and financial inclusion.

House Bill 2481 enshrines the rights of individuals and businesses to self-custody digital assets, operate blockchain nodes, and conduct transactions without interference from restrictive municipal ordinances. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne) and supported by bipartisan vote, the bill reflects a growing recognition across party lines of blockchain technology’s transformative potential.

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The vote also revealed divisions within the Democratic Party, with all 26 opposing votes coming from Democratic representatives. Nevertheless, prominent members of the Democratic party, including Majority Leader Joanna McClinton (D-Phila/Delaware) and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Phila), backed the measure highlighting its potential to stimulate economic growth and expand opportunities for underserved communities. Their support signals a broader acknowledgment of blockchain’s role in empowering marginalized groups through equitable access to financial tools.

Building On Momentum: Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act

Following the passage of HB 2481, Republican Representatives Mike Cabell and Aaron Kaufer introduced HB 2664 (the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act) on November 14, 2024. If enacted, this legislation would enable the state treasurer to allocate up to 10% of Pennsylvania’s General Fund, Rainy Day Fund, and State Investment Fund into bitcoin and crypto-based exchange-traded products (ETPs), as explained in the bill’s legislative memo. This could mean an investment of up to $970 million in bitcoin, leveraging its potential as both a hedge against inflation and a long-term growth asset, as reported by DeCrypt.

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserves Debate

The introduction of Pennsylvania’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act aligns with a broader conversation about government-held cryptocurrency reserves, echoing national debates sparked by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis and the Trump administration’s proposal for a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve. The state-level initiative reflects Pennsylvania’s proactive stance, but it has also reignited concerns about the potential risks of investing public funds in bitcoin.

Proponents Highlight Benefits

Proponents argue that bitcoin’s decentralized nature and fixed supply make it a strong hedge against inflation and an asset comparable to gold. As Satoshi Action Fund CEO Dennis Porter noted in a recent CryptoSlate article, “Bitcoin aligns incentives. When incentives align, we all win.” Advocates highlight Bitcoin’s significant appreciation over time and its growing acceptance among financial institutions as a store of value.

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Supporters believe the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act could enhance fiscal stability by diversifying the state’s investments. The proposal mirrors broader efforts in states like Wyoming, where Lummis has championed bitcoin’s inclusion in national reserves, describing it as a safeguard against dollar devaluation and economic volatility.

Critics Raise Concerns

Despite its potential benefits, the concept of holding bitcoin in government reserves faces substantial criticism. Skeptics, including financial analysts and environmental advocates, point to the cryptocurrency’s extreme price volatility as a major risk. Bitcoin’s historical price swings—both surging and plummeting within short periods—raise questions about the stability of using it to back state or national funds.

Additionally, critics highlight security vulnerabilities in holding digital assets. High-profile breaches of institutional-grade storage solutions have underscored the risks of cyberattacks, which could make bitcoin reserves a target for bad actors. Environmental concerns related to bitcoin mining’s energy consumption further fuel opposition to public investment in the asset.

These concerns underscore parallels between Pennsylvania’s debate and the national critique of the Trump administration’s rumored executive order to formalize a U.S. bitcoin reserve. Critics have questioned whether introducing bitcoin into government holdings would expose the economy to unnecessary risk and divert resources from more stable investments. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent, not only for other states but also for shaping the broader discourse on digital assets in fiscal policy.

Bipartisan Innovation In Action

Pennsylvania’s recent actions stand out in a national landscape often marked by federal gridlock and partisan divides on crypto policy. The state’s forward-looking approach mirrors pioneering efforts in Wyoming, Texas, and Florida. The bipartisan support for HB 2481 and subsequent legislative proposals like the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act demonstrate the economic promise lawmakers on both sides of the aisle see in blockchain technology. By codifying the rights of digital asset holders and creating a framework for state-level investment in crypto, Pennsylvania is charting a path that other states can follow.

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Why Pennsylvania’s Leadership Matters

Pennsylvania’s legislation arrives at a critical moment for the digital asset ecosystem. With the most pro-crypto presidency and Congress in U.S. history set to take office in 2025, states like Pennsylvania have a unique opportunity to shape national policy from the ground up. The Commonwealth’s decisive actions on HB 2481 and the proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act signal to businesses, investors, and policymakers that Pennsylvania is open for innovation.

HB 2481 is more than a regulatory milestone—it is a strategic move to attract fintech companies, blockchain developers, and digital asset investors. The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry has expressed strong support, emphasizing that the state’s clear stance on digital assets provides the regulatory certainty businesses need to innovate responsibly.

Beyond its economic implications, the legislation reflects an understanding of blockchain’s potential to drive financial inclusion. Decentralized financial tools can reduce barriers for underbanked communities, empowering individuals and small businesses with access to innovative financial services. Pennsylvania’s proactive approach ensures that these benefits are accessible to all, positioning the state as a model for equitable digital asset adoption.

A New Blueprint For State-Led Innovation

The impact of Pennsylvania’s leadership extends far beyond its borders. In the absence of comprehensive federal regulation, states have emerged as laboratories for blockchain policy, testing innovative approaches to digital asset management. From Wyoming’s recognition of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to Florida’s integration of digital assets into its regulatory framework, state-led initiatives are shaping the future of the U.S. digital economy.

Pennsylvania’s efforts build on this momentum, offering a clear roadmap for other states. By fostering a crypto-friendly environment, the Commonwealth is not only boosting its own economic competitiveness but also contributing to a broader movement that could influence federal policy. As blockchain technology continues to redefine global finance, states that embrace innovation now will be well-positioned to lead in the years to come.

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Stepping Into The Digital Future

Pennsylvania’s recent legislative efforts demonstrate a pragmatic approach to navigating the complexities of blockchain technology and digital assets. The passage of HB 2481 and the introduction of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act highlight the Commonwealth’s focus on creating a clear regulatory framework while fostering innovation and economic growth.

By addressing both opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving space, Pennsylvania offers a practical model for other states to consider. Its actions underscore the growing role of state governments in shaping the future of the digital economy and ensuring its benefits reach residents and businesses alike. As the legislative process continues, Pennsylvania’s leadership may serve as a valuable reference point for balancing innovation with inclusivity and economic resilience.



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Pennsylvania

Philly City Commissioners don’t expect recount to change Senate race results

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Philly City Commissioners don’t expect recount to change Senate race results


Representatives from both the Casey and McCormick campaigns will be given the opportunity to observe the recount process.

While the votes were being counted, Commissioner Lisa Deeley said McCormick’s win could easily have been a loss if more Philadelphians who came to the polls actually cast a vote in the race.

“Just 0.24% separate Bob Casey and Dave McCormick to determine who will represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate for the next six years. That percentage translates to just 16,672 votes,” she said.

Deeley went on to say twice that number of voters didn’t care enough to go down the ballot to vote in the race for U.S. Senate.

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“36,604 Philadelphia fans chose to under-vote the race. They just skipped over it and didn’t have their opinion counted,” she said.

Deeley could not give an explanation for why people came to vote for president, but chose not to vote in the Senate race.

“All of us in the political process, we need to do a better job to get the public to recognize the importance of the down ballot races so that we can have maximum voter participation from Philadelphia voters,” she said.



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Addiction treatment in Pennsylvania prisons is improving, new report shows

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Addiction treatment in Pennsylvania prisons is improving, new report shows


One video features Chase R., identified by his first name only for privacy reasons. His addiction began after he was prescribed opioids while recovering from a motorcycle accident at 21 years old.

Eventually, Chase began using heroin and fentanyl on the street.

“Opioids really had a really strong hold on me, to the point where I became suicidal in the past, like I didn’t want to live anymore, because I didn’t want to keep hurting the people that I love,” Chase, now 37, says in his testimonial. “It’s been nothing but a battle ever since.”

The Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project launches “Let Us Live,” a series of testimonials from people currently and formerly incarcerated about accessing treatment for opioid use disorder, at the Center for DesignPhiladelphia, Nov. 18, 2024. (Nicole Leonard/WHYY)
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Chase had access to the medication buprenorphine while he was in county jail, but he was cut off from treatment after he was transferred to state prison, which restricts medication to people who’ve already been taking it for at least 60 days.

Chase was 10 days short of that requirement, he said.

“You feel like you’re forgotten about and no matter what you do or how hard you fight, you’ll never win,” he says in a video, which only features his voice.

People watching a video presentation
The Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project launches “Let Us Live,” a series of testimonials from people currently and formerly incarcerated about accessing treatment for opioid use disorder, at the Center for DesignPhiladelphia, Nov. 18, 2024. (Nicole Leonard/WHYY)

Storytelling producer and journalist Arielle Goodman said she wanted the series to show the true toll of opioid use disorder in prisons and how gaps in care affect people in their everyday lives.

“It’s a human story of profound injustice,” she said. “These stories are ultimately fragments of a full story that we will never know, because they are stories of people who are locked away.”

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If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The hotline is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can offer free, confidential support. Spanish speakers can call 1-888-628-9454. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 1-800-799-4889.



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