In a small city northwest of Pittsburgh, the Aliquippa High School football team received unexpected visits last August from Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who provided motivational talks to the players.
During the visit, Doug Emhoff, Ms. Harris’s husband, praised the team’s coach for their state championship win and highlighted Mr. Walz's background as a former high school football coach, emphasizing its significance in swing states like Pennsylvania.
Football holds substantial importance in Western Pennsylvania, where community member Mike Hall humorously noted that bank heists on Friday nights would be easy due to large crowds attending high school games.
Historically, Democrats relied on Beaver County, which encompasses Aliquippa, as a Democratic stronghold due to the influence of union workers from the steel mills. However, loyalty has diminished following the closure of major plants in the 1980s, with registered Republicans currently outnumbering Democrats by fewer than 4,000 votes, according to recent state data.
Aliquippa serves as a measure for Ms. Harris’s strategy; she hopes that Mr. Walz's football coaching background will help the Democratic Party regain support from disenchanted voters.
Football in Aliquippa is a source of community spirit, with the Quips football team, which went undefeated last year, embodying resilience and unity for residents. Mr. Walz aims to infuse joy and camaraderie into the Democrats' campaign rallies, but the critical question remains whether he can persuade voters to return to the party.
Local business owner Bill Zuccaro, who previously supported Bernie Sanders and is now a Republican, expressed uncertainty about his vote despite being fond of Mr. Walz's background, highlighting the complexities of voter sentiment in the area.
Aliquippa's stadium, Heinz Field, can accommodate about 3,500 fans, drawing large crowds for games, including local officials and long-time supporters. The community celebrates its rich football heritage, producing three NFL Hall of Famers and a culture that reflects the tenacity of former steel workers.
Despite the Quips' success, the economic hardships in Aliquippa persist, with local businesses struggling to recover from mill closures. Residents lament the decline of their once-bustling commercial areas, which have seen significant degradation.
While some candidates have successfully leveraged their football backgrounds for political gain, Mr. Walz has become recognized nationally for his coaching experience. His connection to football resonates with campaign audiences, as demonstrated during various events.
In his address to the Quips, Mr. Walz drew parallels between the teamwork in football and the challenges facing the nation, striving to connect with the youth in ways that resonate with their experiences.
Community members view Mr. Walz's coaching background positively, with some believing it will aid Ms. Harris in Western Pennsylvania. However, skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of political promises, as residents call for clear plans to revitalize their local economies.
As the election approaches, mixed feelings about candidates persist, with some community members torn between admiration for Mr. Walz’s football pedigree and doubts about the Democratic Party's commitment to addressing their economic concerns.