Fears of Republican takeover: "Disastrous"

Of: 

Emelie Svensson 

 

Published: Less than 2 hours ago 

 

Updated: Less than 50 min ago 

 

NEWS 

 

PHILADELPHIA. The Republicans expect a big win in today's fateful election. 

 

Then two tough years await for Biden. 

 

- I am very worried, says Mike Gilbertson, 73, voter in the key city that can decide. 

 

Mike Gilbertson pats the "I voted" sticker on his shirt pocket. 

 

- Now we just have to wait and see, he says. 

 

There are only hours left until the polls close. 

The result may take several days. 

 

"Very worried" 

 

Mike has just left the voting booth. He voted for the Democratic candidates, both for the Senate and the governorship. He thinks it's best for the economy. The Republicans also have far too heated rhetoric, he says. 

 

But it is the Republicans who have a strong tailwind, according to opinion polls. Election analyzes show that the Republicans are likely to win power in both chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

 

For Biden, this would mean that he can push through less of his policy in the coming years. 

 

- I am very worried, because I think it would be catastrophic. We will see the end of abortion rights throughout the country. And cuts to welfare benefits, which people like me depend on, says Mike. 

Mike, 73, is worried about cuts and restrictions on abortion rights. Photo: Nora Savosnick 

 

"Wants my daughter to be able to decide over her body" 

 

In downtown Philadelphia, a steady stream of voters is heading to the polls. But no queues in the middle of the day. For most people, it's still a normal working day. 

 

Kyra Stewart, 56, who works as an administrator at a school, visits the polling station with her daughter. 

 

For her, stricter gun laws, abortion rights and the threat to democracy are what make her vote for the Democrat in the Senate race. 

 

- Reproductive rights are very important to me. I have a daughter who is 23 years old. I want to make sure she has the opportunity to decide over her own body. 

 

This summer, the US Supreme Court struck down the national abortion guarantee. Instead, it is up to each state to decide on abortion laws. 

 

A dozen conservatively-governed states have so far introduced total bans.

 

Kyra, 56, does not want her daughter to lose the right to decide over her own body. Photo: Nora Savosnick 

 

Kyra fears that the same thing will happen in Pennsylvania if the Democrats do not retain power. She's really nervous. 

 

- Yes, yes, yes, yes. Reproductive rights is a huge issue, and I think it will be stopped in the country if we get a big Republican wave. 

 

Wave master 

 

The big city of Philadelphia is one of the strong strongholds of the Democrats. But the entire state, Pennsylvania, is a swing state, swinging between voting for Republicans and Democrats in elections. 

 

In the fight for the Senate, the eyes are directed precisely here. 

 

Here the Democrat John Fetterman is pitted against the celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, the Republican supported by Trump. 

The winner of the extremely close race could tip the balance of power to either party in the Senate. 

 

Voter Catherine Waller, 36, also says that abortion is one of the most important election issues. She does not want to reveal who she just voted for.

 

Catherine, 36, has voted - but says that many have given up hope for American democracy. Photo: Nora Savosnick 

 

When she talks about the fateful choice, she becomes teary-eyed. 

 

- There are so many people who have given up hope for democracy altogether. Even if people don't share my political views, I hope they continue to have faith in the electoral system. And that people care about each other, regardless of ideology.

Kai, 43, doesn't think the election results will be good - regardless of who wins. Photo: Nora Savosnick 

 

Voted for "the least bad" 

 

Kai Tso, 43, also puts a sticker saying "I have voted" on his jacket. It quickly detaches, blowing away somewhere along the sidewalks of Philadelphia's Chinatown. 

She shrugs. For her, the economy and abortion rights are the heaviest issues in the election. She voted for the least bad alternative she sits. 

 

- The Democrats are more for abortion rights, while the Republicans would be the best choice for the economy. So I'm very torn. It was a pure gamble. 

Is no candidate good? 

 

- I'm not sure. Regardless, it feels like we won't get a good result.