The Republican party in Michigan is taking advantage of Vice President Kamala Harris’ struggles with blue-collar voters in the state, a group that has historically supported Democrats but has been leaning more towards former President Donald Trump. They argue that Harris’ policies, such as the radical Green New Deal, are anti-worker and have made the cost of living unaffordable. With the upcoming election approaching, both Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, have been making appearances in Michigan to appeal to working-class voters.
Michigan Democrats are concerned about Harris’ prospects in the state and have urged her to visit more frequently as the election nears its conclusion. They are also advising her to refine her economic messaging, especially as Trump has been successful in courting working-class voters in the state. Harris has faced difficulties distancing herself from past positions that are unpopular in key swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, such as her support for zero-emissions vehicles by 2035 and a ban on fracking.
The Republican party believes that Harris has failed to connect with working-class voters in the upper Midwest, which could also benefit down-ballot Republicans in swing states. Harris has struggled to gain the support of union members, with an internal poll by Teamsters showing that members in Michigan prefer Trump over Harris. Despite not receiving the endorsement of influential unions like Teamsters and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Harris did secure the backing of United Auto Workers and the Service Employees International Union.
Team Trump Michigan Communications Director, Victoria LaCivita, cites the Teamsters’ polling data as proof that rank-and-file Michigan members are supporting President Trump’s pro-worker policies. While local chapter leadership may not support Trump, individual members are looking for strong leadership that will protect their jobs, lower inflation, and support American industries. As the race for Michigan intensifies, Republicans are highlighting Harris’ difficulties with garnering the support of key demographics in the state.
Harris’ struggles with working-class and union voters extend beyond Michigan, with concerns also raised in other key Midwestern states like Wisconsin. Democrats in Michigan, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have urged the Harris campaign to focus more on the state and sharpen their economic messaging in the final stretch of the election. As Harris faces challenges in gaining support from important constituencies, Republicans are hopeful that they can capitalize on these vulnerabilities to secure a victory in the crucial swing state of Michigan. The Harris campaign has yet to respond to these concerns raised by Republicans and Democrats alike.
