Clinton Ticket Heads to Rust Belt to Battle Trump on Trade

Trump is targeting supporters of Bernie Sanders while Democrats vow to push back against their opponent as a trade hypocrite.

A supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders holds a sign against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) while demonstrating inside the media tent during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 26, 2016.
Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Mark Niquette

July 29, 2016 at 2:00 PM UTC

Updated on

July 29, 2016 at 6:29 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine started their first post-convention trip together Friday, which will take them to western Pennsylvania and Ohio, prime turf in their battle to test Donald Trump's belief that working-class voters and Bernie Sanders supporters will turn to him because of his trade policy.

Although Sanders delegates and party leaders from those states attending the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia this week don’t say there are a significant number of voters who will defect to the Republican, they’re wary that those who blame trade deals for the loss of jobs or stagnant wages will look to the billionaire or another alternative to nominee Clinton.