Blue and red Astoria: The Greek community in the US is divided

NEW YORK - On a Friday afternoon in October, Despina Delianidis is helping a customer pick the perfect ring from an array of colorful, Greek-made jewelry. She works part-time to help finance her studies. "I tell my Greek cousins that America is not what it used to be. And I am worried because no politician seems to have a plan to give me hope."

Queens, home to the Greek enclave of Astoria, has traditionally been a Democratic stronghold. Polling shows that it will remain blue next week. But, internal community dynamics tell a more complicated story. The choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has been polarizing for Greeks, an unprecedented climate for the tight-knit community. 

An important demographic

The Greek-American community is an important demographic for both parties. Earlier this month, a cohort of Democrats including former Massachusetts...