Road Trip Observations: A Democratic Perspective
We drove through 10 states in under 2 weeks. Support for Trump is still visible but not as strong as in 2016. In the Southwest, most of the support we saw was from 2020. We did see some 2024-specific signs in Tennessee, Dallas-Fort Worth, Carlsbad, NM, and Southern California.
Support for Harris/Walz was seen only in Pennsylvania and California. Watching the DNC all four nights in different time zones was a delight, especially when speakers ran late for Eastern Daylight Time.
Long Version
Background
We bought a new Honda Prologue (EV) and decided to give our old car to our son and daughter-in-law in Pasadena, CA. This meant driving from Southeast Pennsylvania to the West Coast. Being older and retired, we took a leisurely drive with detours to five National Parks. However, car trouble in Texas changed our plans.
Our Democratic Journey
I’ve been involved with the Democratic Party for 39 years in various roles. My wife has served as our Precinct Judge of Election for eleven years. We’ve helped turn Montgomery County, PA from solid Republican to reliably blue. We’re proud of this transition.
Driving Through MAGA Country
We drove through many states known for their strong support for Trump. Our observations are based on previous trips since our son moved to L.A. in 2011. This trip included Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California, with brief visits to Maryland and West Virginia.
General Observations
- Speed limits on Interstate Highways are often ignored. The slowest drivers are the ones obeying the limit.
- Brand name Truck Stops like Love’s, Pilot, and Flying J are good places to stop. They have clean restrooms, food options, and competitive gas prices.
- James Carville’s quip about Pennsylvania between Philly and Pittsburgh resembling Alabama is accurate.
- Watching the DNC in different time zones was a highlight of our trip.
- Even in red areas, wind and solar power are common.
Pennsylvania (PA-309, I-78, I-81)
(Day 1) Traffic was heavy on a Sunday. We saw two political signs, both for Harris. One billboard outside Carlisle featured a veteran saying he’s voting for Kamala Harris. No Trump signs were seen.
Virginia (I-81, US-11)
(Day 1) In the Shenandoah Valley, we saw several Trump flags on US Route 11, but nothing along the Interstate.
(Day 2) From Roanoke to the Tennessee State line, we saw occasional bumper stickers and lawn signs for Trump, but nothing for Harris/Walz.
Tennessee (I-81, I-40)
(Day 2) From the Virginia State line to Nashville, we saw a billboard for Trump and multiple bumper stickers. There was even a ‘Trump Super Store’ west of Knoxville. Nothing for Harris/Walz.
(Day 3) From Nashville to Memphis, we saw nothing for either side.
Arkansas (I-40, I-30, US-70)
(Day 3) From the Mississippi River to Hot Springs, we saw a car with a Trump bumper sticker next to one that read “Reagan Republican.”
(Day 4) In Hot Springs, we saw one Trump flag and a “Black Lives Matter” sign next door.
(Day 5) From Hot Springs to the Texas State Line, we saw no political signs, just American flags and Jesus artifacts.
Texas (I-30, I-635, I-20)
(Day 5) From the Arkansas State Line to Weatherford, we saw a billboard saying “Trump — born in New York but Texan in spirit.”
Then, our car had an issue, and we had to visit a Honda Dealer.
(Day 6) The dealer said the rear differential needed replacement. We got a free loaner car for the weekend.
(Day 7, 8) Stuck in Weatherford, we saw a TV ad for Colin Allred for Senate, featuring Republicans endorsing him because Cruz is “weak on the Border.”
(Day 9) From Weatherford, TX to Carlsbad, NM, the Honda Dealer called to say the repairs were done.
