The Gov swoops into Chadds Ford to support Elizabeth Moro
It’s not every day our little bucolic town earns a visit from the Governor. But this past Sunday, Governor Shapiro swooped in just before the Eagles’ kickoff to support local PA State House candidate Elizabeth Moro in her quest to earn a seat in Harrisburg this November.
Stumping for Elizabeth Moro
Flanked by U.S. House Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. House Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, PA State Senator John Kane, and others, Shapiro spoke about Moro’s experience as a community organizer who has successfully stood up to big developers and her day-to-day connection to neighbors. The event took place in the historic barn next to Moro’s home, a fitting setting for our community that cherishes so many connections from our past to our present.
As you might expect, the Governor’s remarks were rousing. He reinforced his commitment to protecting Pennsylvanians from the chaos, cruelty, and corruption Trump is wreaking from Washington right now. While Trump focuses on padding his pockets and putting his name on anything with four walls and a roof, Shapiro stays laser-focused on “GSD,” which means either “Getting Stuff Done” or “Getting Shit Done” depending on his audience.
At the event, I ended up chatting with a reporter from a major news outlet who is covering Shapiro this election cycle. She asked us why we thought Shapiro had such strong support in the swingiest of swing states. Essentially, why so many Trump/Shapiro voters?
First, I’d love to hear what you think!
As for me, I think his broad appeal is partly because he can code-switch so well. Even his GSD slogan is flexible for differing audiences. While he occasionally takes strong stances, most of his messaging is measured.
Shapiro allows many people to see themselves, at least on the edges, in his messaging without going too deep into the cesspool on any particularly fraught issues. Those on the fringes will always hold their views ardently. But the swingy middle and the rational regulars often find something relatable in his messaging without being too put off by what’s out of their wheelhouse.
Shapiro also has a lot of “rizz” (that’s “charisma” for the non-middle school boys in the audience). A very apolitical friend recently attended a dinner with Shapiro and found him very impressive. He can win over the hearts of those in his company, separate from a political agenda.
Notably, his messaging at that dinner had little overlap with Moro’s campaign rally. That’s kind of the point. I know all politicians have to code-switch when interacting with voters and constituents, but some do it much better than others.
Throwback: Does anyone remember JD Vance trying to look “normal” ordering from a bakery on the 2024 campaign trail? Who knew something we loved doing as children could be so cringe as an adult? 🤢
Not all politicians have the ‘gift of gab’ or the ability to code-switch with relative ease. I think it can be quite hard, especially to do it in a way that feels seamless. But those skills make a big difference to voters.
On being good listeners
Being relatable doesn’t mean changing who you are in each new room. It’s being the same person everywhere (because voters can see right through performative code-switching) and knowing how to meet people where they are. It’s the product of real listening.
On Sunday, many of the neighbors in that barn weren’t there for the governor. They showed up for Elizabeth. They know her from Crebilly Farms conservation advocacy, from across the counter at her cafe, or sitting next to her at Hanks for Mondays with Moro. She picks up the phone, listens, shows up, and rolls up her sleeves when it’s time to get to work in the community.
I’ve had the opportunity to have several conversations with Elizabeth over the last handful of months. It’s clear she wants to do the hard work required to represent her community in Harrisburg, and she’s already shown she’s capable without an office there.
Importantly, Elizabeth spends a lot of time listening to the community to understand what it wants and needs. With both Moro and Shapiro, I’ve seen responsive positions on data centers, for example, that have reflected the current of constituent perspectives. They’re representatives; they’re supposed to represent.
So much happens at the state
Moro and Shapiro were hanging out in an historic barn on a rainy morning because it’s time to get out the vote. Your vote!
So much policy that impacts our everyday lives happens at the state level. So, so much!! However you plan to cast a ballot this fall, make sure you get a say.
Even if you think the system is broken, the only way to fix it is to get the train moving in the right direction. You cannot effect change by feeling apathy from your couch. You don’t have to be in the barn for the rally, but you definitely need to cast a ballot for our elected officials.
Check your voter registration to make sure it’s up to date. Register by October 19 if you’re not already on the roster. Get your ballot early and vote by mail if that’s your style. The Supreme Court ruled it’s safe for this election cycle. Or make a plan to hit the polls on November 3. Better yet, bring a friend and grab coffee or lunch after you vote!
You deserve to be heard in Harrisburg.
