In this year’s presidential election, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are seeking support from Polish Americans, a community that could have an impact on the outcome of battleground state contests. Harris is focusing on capitalizing on the historic animosity that Polish Americans have towards Russia and on Trump’s reluctance to support Ukraine. The Democratic vice president’s team organized a call with Polish American supporters to encourage local events and spread the campaign’s message, recognizing the potential influence of this community in crucial states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
During the recent debate, Trump refused to explicitly state his support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia, which brought attention to the concerns of Polish Americans regarding the region’s stability. Harris challenged Trump’s stance and highlighted the potential dangers of a lack of support for Ukraine, which could ultimately impact Poland. This drew positive reactions from members of the Polish American community, who appreciate the acknowledgment of their concerns on a national stage and fear the repercussions of a destabilized Eastern Europe.
The alliance between the United States and countries like Poland, Ukraine, and NATO is a critical issue for Polish American voters. Harris and Trump have differing approaches when it comes to supporting Eastern European countries and the transatlantic bonds that have been established over decades. Trump’s past comments about potentially withdrawing the U.S. from NATO have caused concerns among Polish American voters, who want assurances from both candidates about maintaining these alliances for the security of Eastern Europe.
The concerns of Polish Americans extend beyond immediate national security threats, with considerations for the broader implications of foreign policy decisions on Eastern Europe. Immigrants from former Soviet-controlled countries like Poland have experienced firsthand the impacts of geopolitical tensions and understand the need for a strong stance against aggressive actions by Russia. The divided opinions within the Polish American community reflect the complexity of balancing personal backgrounds, political beliefs, and concerns for global stability.
The upcoming election presents a crucial decision for Polish Americans as they consider the candidates’ positions on foreign policy, alliances, and national security. While some members of the community express support for Trump and his relationship with Polish leaders like President Duda, others are skeptical of his approach and favor Harris’s stance on issues affecting Eastern Europe. As the candidates continue to campaign and address the concerns of various voter demographics, the influence of Polish Americans in key battleground states is likely to be a factor in determining the outcome of the election.
