Michigan working-class/ Harris campaign/ Trump Michigan/ union support/ 2024 election/ Blue Wall states/ Newslooks/ DETROIT/ MICHIGAN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As the election approaches, Republicans in Michigan aim to leverage Vice President Kamala Harris’ challenges with working-class voters, historically a Democratic base now trending toward Donald Trump. GOP representatives claim Harris’ environmental and energy policies alienate Michigan’s blue-collar community, which could tip the balance in this swing state.
Harris’ Michigan Working-Class Struggles: Quick Looks
- Polling Lead Narrows: Harris holds a slim 0.5-point lead in Michigan as concerns rise among Democrats.
- Republican Criticism: GOP leaders criticize Harris for policies they label “anti-worker,” like green energy initiatives.
- Democratic Concerns: Prominent Michigan Democrats urge Harris to prioritize local economic issues to retain support.
- Union Polls Show Shift: Some union members favor Trump, despite historic Democratic union support.
Harris Struggles with Michigan’s Working Class, Opens Door for Trump
Deep Look
As election day nears, Vice President Kamala Harris faces intensified scrutiny over her ability to appeal to Michigan’s working-class voters, a traditionally Democratic demographic that Republicans claim is increasingly drawn to former President Donald Trump. With just weeks left before voting, Harris’ narrow 0.5-point lead in Michigan is a focal point for both parties, especially as Democrats urge her campaign to sharpen its economic message and step up outreach in this key swing state.
Republicans have seized on Harris’ support for green energy policies, including her endorsement of zero-emissions vehicles by 2035 and a ban on fracking, as issues that they believe alienate Michigan’s blue-collar workers. “Michigan’s working class isn’t fooled by Kamala Harris’ word salads and dog and pony shows. Her policies, like the radical Green New Deal, are anti-worker,” said Victoria LaCivita, Trump’s Michigan Communications Director. LaCivita criticized Harris for “attacking American energy,” which she claims has made daily life less affordable, particularly as Michigan’s economy is closely tied to the auto industry.
With recent polling showing Harris struggling to maintain her advantage, key Michigan Democrats, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have reportedly encouraged the Harris campaign to focus more heavily on Michigan’s working-class issues. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Whitmer and others have pressed Harris to prioritize economic outreach in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—three crucial Midwestern states often referred to as the “Blue Wall.” The Harris campaign is reportedly strategizing additional appearances and messaging adjustments, aimed at counteracting Trump’s successful inroads with Michigan’s blue-collar voters.
Internal data reflects these shifting sentiments. A poll conducted by Senator Tammy Baldwin’s campaign indicates Harris trailing Trump by three points in Wisconsin, a state with similar working-class demographics to Michigan. Former Michigan Governor James Blanchard also noted the importance of increasing Harris’ visibility, stating, “The big thing is people don’t know her—they need to see more of her.” Republicans argue this gap reflects a lack of connection between Harris and working-class communities, which they say is critical for her success in the Midwest.
Adding to the Democratic challenge is the erosion of union support. Traditionally a Democratic stronghold, the union vote is now split, with recent data showing significant support for Trump among Michigan’s unionized workers. An internal poll from the Teamsters Union revealed that 61.7% of its Michigan members preferred Trump, while only 35.2% backed Harris. Although the United Auto Workers and Service Employees International Union have endorsed Harris, the Teamsters and the International Association of Fire Fighters, who supported Biden in 2020, have refrained from endorsing any candidate this cycle. “The Teamsters’ own polling shows exactly what we knew—that rank-and-file Michigan Teamsters are supporting President Trump and his pro-worker policies,” LaCivita noted, suggesting that many union workers seek a candidate who supports American industries and job security.
Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, have intensified their focus on Michigan, visiting the state multiple times over the past few weeks and directing their messages toward blue-collar voters. By emphasizing Trump’s “America First” economic agenda, they aim to draw clear distinctions between Harris’ energy policies and Trump’s pro-manufacturing stance. These visits are part of a broader GOP push to retain working-class voters, whom Republicans argue feel disillusioned with Democratic policies.
Republican leaders are optimistic that Trump’s strategy will resonate with Midwest voters in Michigan and beyond. National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Mike Marinella noted that Harris’ message fails to connect with the working-class electorate, potentially benefiting GOP candidates in down-ballot races as well.
As the race tightens, Michigan remains a top priority for both campaigns. With Harris’ working-class support in question and Trump gaining momentum in Michigan, the state’s voters may play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the 2024 election.
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