Springfield, Ohio Is a Symbol of Modern America, Depending on Who's Describing It
In a closely fought midterm campaign, the small town of Springfield, Ohio, has become a symbol of modern America — and one that changes dramatically depending on who is describing it.
To President Donald Trump, Springfield crystallises America's problems after years of unchecked immigration, and he says his mass deportation drive means its people are getting their town back.
Underneath the political fight sits a longer story: this part of the American Midwest was hit badly by last century's de-industrialisation, and those laid off from its once prolific factories sought work on the coasts or migrated to warmer, southern states.
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The symbolism has an electoral audience: Ohio has become a swing state in the coming midterm Congressional elections, with a Republican-held Senate seat up for grabs, and Trump has already visited the state twice to rally turnout and counter a slide in his approval ratings.
Not all readings of a town deserve equal billing. To Trump, Springfield crystallises America's problems from years of unchecked immigration — and he once echoed a false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets there.