Yahay Obeid, a Yemeni immigrant who came to the US at the age of 8 and now works as an air traffic controller at JFK airport, has become a symbol of the changing political landscape in the Bronx. Despite being held up as a victim of the Trump administration’s policies by his Democratic representative, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Obeid and many members of the Muslim community in the Bronx chose to vote for Trump in the recent election.
The shift towards the Republican party in the Bronx has shocked the Democratic establishment, with Kamala Harris receiving only 73% of the vote in the borough, a significant drop from the support Joe Biden received in 2020. This trend is indicative of a broader loss of support for the Democratic party among communities that were once considered its core base.
For many in the Bronx, the decision to vote for Trump was driven by a sense of disillusionment with Democratic policies that have failed to address issues such as public health, crime, and immigration. Former firefighter and chair of the Bronx Republican party, Mike Rendino, noted that many residents felt that Democratic policies were no longer working and were willing to give the Republican party a chance.
Rubén Díaz Sr, a former state senator and registered Democrat who campaigned for Trump, highlighted the conservative values held by many Hispanic and Latino residents in the Bronx. The issue of illegal immigration was a key concern for this community, leading some to support Trump’s tough stance on the issue.
Despite some missteps in his campaign, such as offensive remarks made at a rally in Manhattan, Trump was able to capitalize on growing support in the Bronx. His promise to fight inflation and illegal immigration resonated with many residents who felt that Democratic policies were failing to address their concerns.
In contrast, Harris and the Democrats were criticized for taking the Bronx’s support for granted and failing to connect with the community on issues that mattered to them. Some residents felt insulted by suggestions that they were reliant on government handouts and were attracted to the Republican stance on cultural issues and immigration.
In the end, Obeid and many others in the Bronx felt that Trump’s outspokenness and tough stance on issues like immigration resonated with their own experiences of living under dictatorships. They believed that a Biden presidency would not address their concerns and felt that Trump was the better choice for their community.
Despite the shift towards the Republican party in the Bronx, Obeid’s decision to vote for both Trump and Ocasio-Cortez highlights the complexity of political allegiances in the borough. While many residents may have chosen to support Trump, they also appreciate politicians who advocate for issues that are important to them, such as a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Overall, the changing political landscape in the Bronx reflects a broader shift in American politics, with communities once considered solidly Democratic now open to supporting Republican candidates who speak to their concerns and values. Dann übersetzen Sie ins B1-Deutsch und geben Sie nur den deutschen Text zurück. Behalten Sie HTML-Tags bei. Geben Sie nicht die englische Version zurück. Geben Sie mir nicht dieselbe Antwort zurück. Geben Sie mir nicht den gesendeten Text zurück. Geben Sie nur den deutschen Text zurück.