Media: Polish people living in US to support Trump

US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is appealing to the Polish American community as she seeks every possible vote in Pennsylvania ahead of the closely contested presidential election on November 5.

During her debate with Republican rival Donald Trump in September, she specifically addressed the “800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania,” warning that Trump would betray Ukraine to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, with Poland potentially being next on Moscow’s list. Given that Democrats won Pennsylvania by just 80,000 votes in 2020, Harris' appeal to Polish patriotism makes strategic sense, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

However, the effectiveness of Harris' approach remains uncertain. Her focus on a distant conflict may not resonate as strongly against Trump's message. Trump is also actively courting Polish votes in key swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, asserting that he has a special connection with Polish Americans and recalling his enthusiastic welcome in Warsaw in 2017.

He aims to replicate his 2016 success among this demographic by emphasizing Christian values that differentiate him from his “Marxist” opponent, positioning himself as the conservative candidate who could broker peace with Russia, Poland's historical adversary. 

At the Polish American Citizens Club in Dupont, it became evident that many prioritize their American identity over their Polish roots during this electoral period, with a focus on domestic economic and social issues shaping broader national concerns.

“In everything, the American flag stands supreme,” stated John Kuna, 58, Martin’s brother and a fellow board member, proudly showcasing the back of his club T-shirt, which features the US and Polish flags. 

The Polish community in Pennsylvania traces its roots to immigrants who came around the turn of the last century for jobs in mining and manufacturing. However, as these industries declined starting in the 1950s, economic struggles led to a political shift among blue-collar workers, many of whom had been lifelong Democrats. Once cohesive Polish communities are now dispersed, and generational integration has weakened any collective Polish American perspective.

While a significant number of Poles supported Trump in 2016, many Polish Americans turned against him in 2020. Harris' claims regarding the Russian threat to Poland may not have the impact she hopes for.

“We watch from a distance, but it’s not something we face directly,” remarked one board member who wished to remain anonymous, referring to the war in Ukraine. 

What they see in their daily lives is American life. In the wood-paneled bar upstairs, wall-mounted TVs surround the 360-degree counter, playing American news, sports, and sitcom reruns. Neon beer signs promote American light beers, and a board displays the date for the next “Taco Night.” Framed Dupont Coal Crackers baseball shirts hang high on the wall, while trophies from local sports teams sponsored by the club gleam in a corner cabinet. Light spills into the dimly lit bar from the kitchen, where a large bag of pancake mix is kept on the fridge. 

Although the club maintains a neutral political stance, board members noted that most Poles are more focused on the economic hardships facing Americans than the war in Ukraine—struggles many Trump supporters attribute to Harris and President Joe Biden, especially for funneling money into a conflict that appears to have reached a stalemate.

“Everyone wants to work, earn money, and enjoy their families. That’s all,” John Kuna expressed. “These past three and a half years have felt like nothing but turmoil.” He added, “We’re giving billions to Ukraine. What about our people first?”

By Naila Huseynova