A View from Trumbull County, OH: Third in a Series
To Area Voters, Trump is Standing Up to the Beltway Elite by ADAM L. FULLER
There is an old saying that people hate everyone else’s plan is appealing to many working class voters. And, as Sanders politicians but they love their own. In Trumbull County, people is also an anti-establishment candidate, he can be considered to see President Trump as their champion fighting for American be Trump’s counterpart on the Left. He is also the only Democrat interests against a legion of villains in Washington. Their candidate so far besides Tim Ryan to visit Youngstown and hold confidence in Trump has not softened from the impeachment a rally. or from some local industrial setbacks that have happened in the But these are most likely only inconsequential concerns county. They believe that he is still trying for the incumbent President. Inasmuch his best against the enmity of the Beltway as a nationalized health care system may elite, who they believe want him out of be alluring to many voters, most people office because he stands in the way of in Trumbull County reject the broader their own nefarious ambitions. socialist proposals that Sanders campaigns Given the high level confidence they on. The local economic setback of the GM have in him, Trump is very likely to win closure is also not likely to be much of a Trumbull County again in his bid for rechallenge for the President to overcome, election. However, he does have a couple because Trumbull County residents of potential, but minor, roadblocks. feel confident in Trump’s approach to One of these is the closing of the managing the economy. General Motors plant in Lordstown, Trump’s success in eliminating where the Chevy Cruze used to be NAFTA and getting the USCMA passed manufactured. For the last year, Trumbull by Congress are particularly applauded in County residents have seen the abandoned this county. There is a lot of excitement auto factory as they have driven up and about the future possibilities for Adam L. Fuller down the Ohio Turnpike. Like a ghost economic revitalization from what town, the empty Cruze plant has been they feel is a fairer trade deal that promotes Trump’s popularity a constant and eerie reminder to them that America’s economic security. here may have waned the auto industry is entirely gone from Trumbull County residents also see the region. County residents have long positive signs in neighboring areas, such slightly. But most considered the Chevy Cruze the pride of as the recent news that U.S. Steel will be voters still see him the Mahoning Valley. County residents investing $1.2 billion in two Pittsburgh as their valiant hero felt hopeful that President Trump’s trade steel factories. As Youngstown was once policies would save it from demise, but fighting the good fight a thriving center for steel manufacturing, that did not happen. Close to 2,000 jobs this announcement gives locals here some in Washington. were lost when the Lordstown plant hope that even their own steel industry closed. may one day be revived. Fortunately, however, GM announced recently that it Make no mistake – Trump’s popularity here may have would be returning to the Lordstown plant. They will be making waned slightly. But most voters still see him as their valiant hero batteries for electric cars, as part of a joint venture with the South fighting the good fight in Washington. There is good reason to Korean company, LG Chem. There will only be half as many predict that Trumbull County will remain Trump territory in the jobs to be gained from this new use of the facility, but at least the 2020 election. RF factory will be back in business. Another potential roadblock is the possible nomination of Bernie Sanders by the Democratic Adam L. Fuller, Ph.D, is an Assistant Professor in the Department Party. Of those still remaining among the field of candidates, of Politics & International Relations at Youngstown State Senator Sanders stands the best chance of defeating Trump this University. This is the third in a series of essays about Trumbull November in Trumbull County. He is perhaps the most popular County that Professor Fuller has authored for the Forum since the of the Democrat candidates here because his “Medicare for All” 2016 election. 20
RIPON FORUM February 2020
