We are living in history right now.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Campaign in the US will be remembered for decades.
Granted, many of you don’t want to be involved in any of the politics. We get that.
But many of you want to experience the changing times upon us to understand why so many of us are split on who we want to vote for.
If so, then we want to guide you to those purple areas — a blending of red (Republicans) and blue (Democrats) — to see the regions and the people that could really decide the next President.
Side note here: If you’re a follower of Undercover Jetsetter, you know we don’t get into politics or political arguments here.
However, we have some video segments and full shows that coincide to these areas so you can visit without taking in the politics.
We also have some travel tips to avoid any political problems. First, let’s dive into the places to explore.
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Montgomery County is a suburban area just outside Philadelphia. Many political pundits say the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could be decided in Pennsylvania and, in a narrower sense, in Montgomery County alone. That’s right. This one county could decide the winner of the state, and consequentially the nation since the Keystone State seems to be the closest race so far.
Historically, Montgomery County has swung between both parties.
But Montgomery County is also a great place to visit. One of our companion shows on Wingding TV here is Traveling Golfer that I get to host at times. Recently, Host Tony Leodora brought you an episode about Montgomery County’s history include Valley Forge, and its flourishing tourism and golf industry that has some iconic golf courses and many attractions and hotels that are worth your time.
In addition, Montgomery County is also attracting a lot of families. Not only are many families moving there, but Montgomery County hosts many junior athletic events that bring in young athletes from around the country. And, of course, their parents come along to enjoy what Montgomery County offers. This creates a lot of diversity.
Take a look here.
Dane County, Wisconsin
Another spot to hit is Dane County Wisconsin which is the home to Wisconsin’s capital, Madison. This area is known for its progressive politics in this swing state.
There are many things to do here. We would suggest a tour of the Wisconsin state capital. You’ll get an idea of the mixed political leanings inside this historic building. You could also hit the University of Wisconsin and witness a political debate.
One thing you will definitely need to do is hit one of the famous Wisconsin local breweries. Wisconsin and it’s German heritage knows how to make great beer and ale.
Maricopa County, Arizona
Maricopa County is home to Arizona’s capital city Phoenix, making it the most populous county in Arizona. It is also a pivotal state for its mix of conservative and liberal voters. You may want to visit nearby Scottsdale that reflects the states urban and rural divide. There are plenty of political rallies. We would also suggest visiting the Heard Museum to gain insights into the Native American culture which is a critical demographic in Arizona politics.
Here’s an episode of Undercover Jetsetter from 2016. However, we show it to you because it has some ironic political connections. First, the opening segment is about some off the beaten path locations near Phoenix Arizona. But if you continue watching the show, you will see a California hotel that catered to US presidents. And then at the end, we actually hit one of Donald Trump’s golf courses in connection with a celebrity golf event. Here it is.
Clark County, Nevada
Clark County is centered around Las Vegas, a place we know well. Like most other areas, the city folk lean more Democrat while the rural areas are more Republican. So, if you are on the Las Vegas Strip, you could attend a union meeting of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 which has a big say in how Clark County and Nevada votes. if you just want to get away and enjoy some scenery, we highly recommend Red Rock Canyon and its breathtaking views.
Here’s an episode we did in Las Vegas about possibly living there.
Wake County, North Carolina
Wake County is home to Raleigh and the Research Triangle which has a mix of urban and suburban voters in this booming, high-tech locale. North Carolina is a state that appears to be turning from red to purple thanks to their increase in new residents relocating from the north.
Raleigh is also the capital so you could visit the North Carolina General Assembly to learn more about their state politics. In addition, Wake County has some of the best universities including Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State, all of which are hotbeds for political activism.
As we have shown you in previous segments here in Undercover Jetsetter, we show you here how Raleigh offers so many cultural activities along with great food.
Let’s give some tips on how to do it safely. This political campaign has created lot of tension and sometimes anger. So, we want to give you some tips on how to handle yourself when you go to some of these regions.
- Stay informed. Keep up with local news and events to know about rallies, debates in Townhall meetings.
- Engage with locals. Whether at a coffee shop or community center talking to residence offers a deeper understanding of local issues. But…
- Respect differences. Be open to diverse opinions and be respectful during political discussions.
- Plan visits around events. Schedule your travels to coincide with campaigns or other local events.
- Document your journey. Keep a journal or a blog to record your experiences.
By visiting these key locations, political enthusiasts can gain a nuanced understanding of the diverse and dynamic political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.
Make sure to let us know by dropping us a line at info@undercoverjetsetter.com.
John Daly is a former newspaper and television news reporter covering politics around the country, before he became a TV host. Along with Susan Anzalone, John created and hosts Undercover Jetsetter a show on food, Travel, booze, and a little golf. They show you how to jet set the world and while at home with their book, The TV studio In Your Hand: How to shoot edit and deliver the easy way on the iPhone. Join them for lighthearted fun, easy tips and hacks you can use no matter where you are, by following them on winging.tv.