Donald Trump’s popularity among blue collar voters has increased significantly, causing a seismic shift among this traditionally Democratic group. According to CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten, Trump has seen a 31 point increase in support from trade school graduates and a 17 point gain among nonwhite non-college educated voters compared to the 2020 election.
This surge in support for Trump has shaken the traditional political landscape, especially among union voters. In a historically blue demographic, Trump has managed to cut the usual double-digit advantage held by Democratic candidates to just nine points for Vice President Kamala Harris. This is a significant change, with previous Democratic nominees holding a much stronger lead among union members.
According to Democratic strategist Len Foxwell, there has always been a strong connection between Trump and blue collar voters. However, he notes that Trump has made a deliberate effort to reach out to this demographic and appeal to their interests. The results are clear, as once-loyal union members are now open to supporting Trump.
Wow. The day after the Teamsters released their survey results showing 60% support among their members for Trump, a Steamfitters Union member announces that 70% of his members support Trump.
Trump has UNPRECEDENTED support with blue collar workers.pic.twitter.com/aHqteibKgo
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 19, 2024
The Teamsters, the largest union in America, recently announced that they would not be endorsing a presidential candidate in the 2024 election. Internal polling revealed that almost 60% of their members strongly favor Trump over Harris. This is a significant blow to the Democratic Party, as the Teamsters have endorsed every Democratic nominee since Bill Clinton.
The Teamsters’ decision to not endorse Harris was not a surprise, as their General President Sean O’Brien was not even given the opportunity to speak at the Democratic National Convention in August. In contrast, O’Brien was invited to speak at the Republican National Convention in July. This further highlights the growing support for Trump among union voters.
When asked about the shift in support among blue collar voters, Trump campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes stated that Trump is the candidate who is looking out for the interests of working Americans. He also credited Trump’s economic plan, which includes measures to keep more money in workers’ pockets and boost American manufacturing. Hughes emphasized Trump’s strong record of negotiating trade deals that benefit American workers.
Pollsters such as Trump campaign pollster and CEO of McLaughlin & Associates, John McLaughlin, believe that this shift is a result of the Democratic Party’s exploitation of working class voters. McLaughlin points to economic hardships under the Biden-Harris administration, such as high inflation rates, as a major factor driving blue collar voters towards Trump.
The approval of several spending provisions, such as the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, which have contributed to a $2 trillion federal deficit, has also been a cause for concern among working class voters. This, coupled with the Democratic Party’s support for free trade, a policy that Trump has openly opposed, has led to a realignment between the parties when it comes to trade policy.
In conclusion, it is clear that Trump has earned the support and trust of blue collar voters, who feel that they have been exploited by the Democratic Party. Trump has made a conscious effort to appeal to the interests of working Americans, and his policies have resonated with them. As the 2024 election approaches, it will be crucial for Trump to maintain this support in key states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, where he has already seen success in the past.