In Emmaus, onlookers had plenty to say about Biden, Trump and the election
President Joe Biden’s visit to Emmaus on Friday drew a few hundred onlookers of all ages. Some were mothers with toddlers in tow. Others were also students, retirees and workers with the day off.
Some carried signs of support for Biden while a few raised large images of former President Trump, Biden’s presumptive challenger on Nov. 5. There were a handful of anti-Biden signs with words that are not fit for print. At least one sign said “Free Gaza.”
Cheers erupted when Biden arrived. There were also boos and one person could be heard yelling “You’re a loser” as the Democratic president’s motorcade came down Third Street and onto Main Street.
Biden was in Emmaus to talk to small business owners about how his economic policies are working for them.
Armchair Lehigh Valley randomly selected seven people to talk to about the president’s visit, and what they thought about him, the economy and other issues.
Here’s what they had to say.
Janet Madtes
Madtes, 38, was waiting to see the presidential motorcade from her front porch on Third Street.
The insurance adjuster who works from home said she was excited by Biden’s visit.
“I want to see him go by,” Madtes said. “It’s not every day that your president drives to your tiny, little town.”
Madtes said she isn’t registered to vote and thus doesn’t plan to vote on Nov. 5. “I don’t really support anybody,” Madtes said when asked about her opinion of Biden and Trump.
Madtes said she thinks the economy has gotten worse not better. “It’s just the price of everything going up – but my paycheck did not,” she said.
Sylvia Petro and Thomas Petro Jr.
Petro, 38, came from Bath in Northampton County with her father Thomas Petro Jr. for a glimpse of the president. Both Petros are Republicans.
Sylvia Petro said she was excited that Biden picked the hometown of her father and her late grandfather Thomas Petro Sr. for the visit. With her late grandfather’s Jan. 19 birth date coming up, she said, “I think this is an honor to him.”
When asked about Biden, she said the president sent her father, who is in his seventies, a birthday letter.
Sylvia Petro said she follows the news closely and doesn’t like to hold negative opinions about candidates. She said she is unsure of whom she will vote for. She said she likes some of Biden’s policies, including his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
When it comes to the economy, Sylvia Petro, who is unemployed, said she wishes Biden would promote other jobs besides those in the manufacturing sector. She mentioned communications and health care in particular.
Regarding Trump, she said she is concerned about the future of democracy under the former president.
Thomas Petro Jr. is a former Air Force captain with strong feelings of support for the military. He said he thinks the country isn’t taking a strong enough military stance in the Ukraine and Israel and at the Mexican border.
Petro Jr., who twice voted for Trump, said he always votes for the best person but isn’t sure how he will vote on Nov. 5.
Joey Vanvliet
Vanvliet, 18, is a 2023 graduate of Emmaus High School and a Republican who was standing on a porch where high school students had gathered as well.
“I don’t support Trump,” he said.
He said he thinks Trump is too old and doesn’t like the Capitol breach that took place on Jan. 6, 2021, the day when the certification of the presidential election was to formally take place.
Vanvliet, who is unemployed and looking for work, said he supports Republican Nikki Haley.
Ryan Baig
Baig, 18, is a student at Emmaus High School who was standing on the same porch as Vanvliet.
“I’m likely going for Biden,” he said. “I find him to be the better of the two choices between the [likely] presidential nominees.”
Baig said he doesn’t like that his choice is coming down to Biden or Trump. “I don’t like either to be honest.”
He cited their ages as a reason. Biden is 81 while Trump is 77.
Baig said his top election issue is voter outreach. He doesn’t think enough is being done to educate young voters about elections and issues. “Most people my age don’t know much about that,” he said.
Colleen Bernini
Bernini, 55, of Emmaus, said she supports Biden. In a nod of her allegiance, she was wearing a “Dark Brandon” pin – the Democrats’ answer to the Republicans’ pejorative “Let’s go Brandon” meme.
“He actually does something for the country,” said Bernini, a Lehigh County court crier and tipstaff member who had the day off.
Bernini said she doesn’t think people understand what Biden’s accomplished. She noted that the economy has improved. She said some of the things Biden is being blamed for are out of his control. She mentioned interest rates in particular, which are set by the Federal Reserve, an independent body.
Kirsten Hess
Hess, 52, is the owner of Let’s Play Books, which has locations at 244 Main St. in Emmaus and at 3055 W. Tilghman St. in Allentown. She was standing outside her Emmaus location on Friday.
The Biden supporter was featured in one of his 2020 presidential campaign advertisements after being invited to a roundtable Biden held to find out about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on small businesses.
“I think the economy is doing better,” she said.
Hess said it may take some time for Americans to see the impact of improved economic factors. “I think everybody will see more money in their pockets.”
She said having more money will create a domino effect. “If people have more money in their pockets, they will spend it at small businesses.”