Town hall reveals stark choice for Pennsylvania voters in 2020

This month, President Trump participated in the first town hall of the 2020 cycle in Scranton, Pa. I was honored to attend the event and join many of my constituents from Pennsylvania’s 9th District in the audience. The president conveyed an optimistic vision for the nation, supported by a pro-growth policy agenda that has delivered on the promises made by then-candidate Donald J. Trump four years ago. His efforts to reshape the federal judiciary, lead a broad-based economic revival and renegotiate ill-conceived trade deals have been well received by hardworking Americans. Pennsylvanians will have a choice in November: continue to build upon the successful policies instituted by President Trump or subject themselves to policies that are even more radical than past administrations’ damaging positions.

The results of the 2016 election brought out a silent majority that had felt ignored for decades. We saw the strength of that silent majority as lifelong Democrats joined Republicans in places like Luzern, Schuylkill, and Carbon counties, united in their shared belief that career politicians failed to truly represent them. President Trump came into office and finally championed the issues that mattered to them. Historic tax and regulatory reform has re-energized what had been a stagnant economy. Today, families, farmers, and small businesses across Pennsylvania are keeping more of their paychecks and American workers now have a better chance to compete with the rest of the world.

New open markets and President Trump’s tax and trade policies have contributed to record wage growth and the lowest unemployment rate in half a century, including the lowest ever recorded for African-Americans, and Hispanic-Americans. According to the White House, Pennsylvania has added 162,000 new jobs since 2016 and the unemployment rate has dropped from 5.2 percent to 4.2 percent. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, nearly 2,000 new manufacturing jobs have improved the economic vitality of my district. Other states with more competitive business climates have been far more impressive, including Utah and South Carolina, where the unemployment rate stands at 2.3 percent.

President Trump recognizes the economic, environmental and national security significance of robust domestic energy production. Pennsylvania has been the beneficiary of this leadership. Across our state, the natural gas industry plays a vital role in the regional economy, providing nearly 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. Entire towns that have struggled for decades have seen investment and revitalization thanks to shale development. The 6,000 workers currently building Shell’s new petrochemical plant in Beaver County are breathing new life into a once depressed corner of the state. Most importantly, the administration’s efforts to repeal costly regulations have ensured American consumers pay less to heat their homes and family-sustaining jobs will be attainable for generations to come.

President Trump has a great story to tell, but his electability is only strengthened by leading Democrats whose rhetoric and policy proposals are out of touch with middle-class voters across America. Although he claims to share the values of Pennsylvanians, Joe Biden’s agenda would roll back the economic gains that have given hope to the forgotten. When asked if he would rein in America’s shale oil and gas production to mitigate the effects of climate change, even if it meant “thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands” would lose their jobs, he unhesitatingly responded “yes.” Biden also stated on record that coal miners who have spent their entire career in the energy industry should simply “learn to code.” In a recent warning to gun manufacturers, Biden said, “I’m coming for you, and I’m taking you down.” These comments may play well with voters in New York City or Washington, D.C., but they are out of line with the concerns of blue-collar voters in Pennsylvania. His ideas are regressive for public safety, quality of life and the economy.

The Democratic Party of John F. Kennedy is nearly unrecognizable from the one seen today, exemplified by the fact that Joe Biden is falsely portrayed by the media to be a “moderate” choice for the party despite a platform that is very similar to socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). There is no doubt that the road to the White House runs through Pennsylvania and that the state will be competitive come November. After witnessing the town hall in person and hearing the cheers of the thousands of people who lined the streets outside, it is clear that the silent majority is silent no more.

Dan Meuser represents Pennsylvania’s 9th District. He was elected to Congress in 2018.