


It seems to be the worst-kept secret in America, but former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to announce his much-anticipated bid for the presidency this week. 

And if Obama’s right-hand man is in, he's expected to win Pennsylvania’s 2020 Democratic primary and even carry the state to a possible victory over Donald Trump come next November in the general election — at least that's what the polls are projecting. 

To be fair, it's still early. No one really knows what could happen. But if these factors have any impact on the voters in the Keystone State, Biden shouldn't have any trouble gaining their support.

The other side: Why Joe Biden might not win Pa. in 2020 

1. Joe Biden is a Pennsylvania native

Yep, that's right. Biden's ties to Pennsylvania run deep. He was born in Scranton, and he affectionately refers to the former industrial city as his hometown. That has to count for something.

In fact, he's so popular in the swing state that he's even been called "Pennsylvania's third senator." (Bob Casey and Pat Toomey got to love hearing that.)

2. He has name recognition

Biden's popularity is bound to serve him well as he embarks on the campaign trail. 

He has the advantage of being permanently linked to former President Barack Obama, who was well-liked in the state. And that sort of name recognition has the potential to carry him straight to the general election.  

Because — and this is especially the case in a primary election — people vote for who they know, said Nick Anspach, a York College history and political science professor.

"Most voters just don't know who the competition is," Anspach said. 

3. Biden's age

Joe Biden is 76 years old. And depending on how you look at it, his age could either help or a hinder him. 

Terry Madonna, a pollster and political scientist in Pennsylvania, said the party would need to be ready for a generational change, especially when it comes down to the primary. 

But on the other hand, Biden is an older white guy, Anspach said — "which could play well with that older Pennsylvania population."

That's important. Because when it comes down to a primary election, Anspach said, only the most dedicated Democrats are going to come out to vote. 

More: Here are the oldest, youngest presidential candidates in history

4. Biden could go up against Trump

Biden matches up particularly well against Trump. He's from a swing state and he has those blue-collar credentials.

And in Anspach's opinion, this is something the Democratic voters are going to care about. 

"Am I voting on the primary candidate who matches me on the issues," Anspach said. "Or am I going to vote for the candidate who might beat Trump?"

Reports say Biden will be in Pittsburgh on Monday for what is to be his first campaign event if he makes the announcement this week. 


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