Illustrated portraits of Pennsylvania swing voters Stephen, Colleen, and John highlight different perspectives on current political and economic issues. These illustrations by Tara Anand for NPR add visual depth to their stories.
John: Economic Struggles and Price Concerns
John, who frequently shops at dollar stores, feels that President Trump failed to deliver on his campaign promise to reduce prices. He observes that items once priced at $1 have increased due to various factors. “Well, it became the ‘$1.25 store’ under Biden,” he mentioned during a conversation at his Philadelphia home. John, aged 60, is one of roughly a dozen swing voters participating in NPR’s Swing Shift project. This initiative allows them to voice opinions without fear of repercussions, as their full names are withheld.
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, marking the final stage of the fall midterm election campaigns, affordability remains a key concern for voters. John shared concerns about housing and rising food costs, emphasizing anxieties over being a homeowner today. Residing in Northern Philadelphia, he lives with his wife and adult son, who has autism. Although John retired, he continues part-time work as a security guard. Despite feeling economically stressed, he considers himself relatively fortunate. “I’ve never made more than $60,000 a year,” John explained, reflecting on changing class dynamics over the years.
John, with a history of voting for both major parties, voted for Trump in 2024 as well as 2016, later supporting Joe Biden in 2020. However, he expresses dissatisfaction with Biden’s presidency due to post-COVID inflation. His assessment of Biden’s performance dropped from a B+ to a C in recent months.
Stephen: Financial Strain on a Fixed Income
Stephen, 52, lives in a Philadelphia suburb and faces economic challenges as a part-time worker on a fixed income. Elevated food prices, like for meat and eggs, affect his tight budget significantly. “There are some months that I do run out of food,” Stephen shared. Recent tariffs and tensions with Iran worry him, but concert ticket prices drew his ire when contemplating a Rush performance. A passionate fan, he decided against spending $200 for the event, preferring to address car-related costs instead.
Stephen, initially a Biden supporter, grades Biden’s performance as a D, expressing frustration with his focus. “I know that he’s a businessman, but he has to focus on what people want, not what he wants,” Stephen remarked, emphasizing the need to prioritize non-billionaires’ concerns.
Despite criticisms, both John and Stephen intend to vote as they did in the 2024 election, reflecting consistent public polling indicating widespread dissatisfaction with Biden’s perceived priorities.
Colleen: Concerned and Cautious
Colleen, 49, balances work with intensive volunteer commitments while raising two daughters. Her daughters’ fascination with Nee Doh toys has intensified gasoline expenses due to frequent trips. Financially secure, Colleen and her spouse avoid living paycheck to paycheck but remain cautious without a financial cushion.
Lacking time for news, Colleen maintains limited political engagement. She supported Trump in 2016, though subsequent behavior led her to rethink her position. Her discontent, reflected in a D- rating for Trump, underscores dissatisfaction with Trump’s tenure and broader issues like education and homelessness. Politically mindful, she voices frustration with global involvement in conflicts such as those with Iran.
Colleen’s awareness extends to daily expenses, citing surprised reactions to high prices at the gas pump and grocery stores, questioning trends she finds concerning.