President Biden is scheduled to meet with members of the United Auto Workers in Detroit today, shortly after gaining the UAW's endorsement at their conference in Washington, D.C. This encounter is one of many in the ongoing battle for union support between President Biden and former President Trump. Yesterday, Trump met with Teamsters leaders at their headquarters in Washington as he attempts to create a rift between Biden and organized labor. Although historically a loyal Democratic constituency, there has been a noteworthy divide between union leadership, which largely remains with the Democrats, and rank and file members who have shown greater willingness to vote for Republicans, particularly in the mold of Trump.
The former president's visit to Washington to seek the endorsement or at least be seen actively pursuing it illustrates the shifting political landscape. Since his emergence in 2015, Trump has transformed the Republican Party into a more blue-collar-oriented party. He has capitalized on the backlash against globalization and the loss of blue-collar union jobs to foreign low-wage economies, employing populist politics. Simultaneously, the Democratic Party's leftward progression on social issues has left some union members feeling culturally disconnected.
Trump's visit to the Teamsters was a display of his belief that he can compete for the support of these voters, even without the endorsement of the union leadership. Polling reveals a close race between him and President Biden among union voters. In a closely contested election, the loyalty of a few thousand union voters in key states like Michigan, Wisconsin, or Pennsylvania could prove decisive.
Michigan, in particular, is a significant battleground. In 2016, Donald Trump performed better among union households compared to Hillary Clinton, securing victory in the state. However, in 2020, his support among union households faced a decline against Joe Biden. This trend highlights the potential impact of union households on the election outcome. To prevent any further loss of union voters, the Biden administration is aiming to emphasize that while the Republican Party and Trump may align culturally with these voters, their policies, such as tax reforms, would ultimately harm union households.
The White House and the campaign team are expected to stress the importance of President Biden's economic and domestic policies, which he has often championed during his 50-year political career to court union support. By framing these policies as beneficial for the middle class and emphasizing his infrastructure plan, the administration hopes to counter the populist appeal that Trump has successfully exploited in the Midwest.
This strategic approach extends beyond the current election and seeks to strengthen the Democratic vote in these regions while highlighting potential inconsistencies in Trump's policies. The focus on the infrastructure package and efforts to boost manufacturing aim to solidify Democratic support and address any contradictions within the Republican platform.
