Scranton residents have serious doubts about a Biden '24 bid trends now
In Joe Biden's childhood hometown of Scranton, signs of affection for the U.S. president are hard to miss.
Two streets and an expressway into the city bear his name, and personal letters from Biden that invoke the 'Scranton values' of hard work and common decency that he frequently flags are proudly displayed in living rooms and offices of some supporters.
Two residents told stories about Biden making surprise calls to their moms during one of his visits.
Business owners credit Biden's programs for their financial survival through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite those strong ties, interviews with about two dozen Scranton voters show many harbor deep concerns about Biden running again.
President Joe Biden, during his White House run in July 2020, poses in front of his childhood home in Scranton, Pennsylvania
President Joe Biden's motorcade passes under a sign advertising the President Biden Expressway in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Then candidate Joe Biden walks out of his childhood home in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which luckily belongs to a Biden-Harris supporter
Biden, 80, is already the oldest sitting U.S. president and would be 86 at the end of his second term, if re-elected.
'I worry about his age and his health,' said Jenn Saunders, 57, who owns a downtown coffee shop, and voted for Biden in 2020.
The interviews provide a window into voters' attitudes toward Biden's re-election bid, set to be formally announced in coming weeks.
National polls show Democrats want a younger candidate, and the lack of fervor in Scranton may be an early warning sign for the party.
Biden's approval rating remains quite low but it edged up to 42% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll this month.
Many Scranton residents say they might back Biden again in 2024, albeit without much enthusiasm.
They expressed frustration at the Rust Belt town's long economic slump and the apparent lack of options in 2024.
'I think it's kind of what he's supposed to do, run again, right? That's really what he´s supposed to do. Is there a president that didn't go for a second run at all? But who else is there?' Kimberly Smith, 45, a manager at the city's Glider Diner, said. 'We just need someone fresh.'
A mural in Scranton, Pennsylvania showing The Office's Dwight Schrute. The American version of The Office was set in the Pennsylvania town
Memorabilia from the U.S. sitcom, The Office, is seen inside the Pennsylvania Paper Company in Scranton
Joy Zavada, 26, a registered Democrat, works at Abe's Delicatessen in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Then candidate Joe Biden leaves Hank's Hogies with some treats after speaking at the Scranton Cultural Center in Scranton in October 2019
With lower voting rates than many other democracies, enthusiasm plays an important role in deciding U.S. elections.
An average of 57% of voting age eligible voters cast ballots in the last four presidential elections.
Biden aides say they welcome a possible rematch against Donald Trump, arguing it will help energize a base angered by the former president.
However, polls show the American public doesn't feel the same way.
'The idea of a Biden-Trump rematch makes me cringe,' said Donald Banks, 83, a retired teacher and Scranton native.
Saunders said choosing Biden over Trump might end up being 'the lesser of two evils once again.'
Scranton, where European immigrants once flocked to local coal mines, has
