Staff Reports
The Democratic Party’s decision to shift gears and replace Joe Biden with Kamala Harris may be one of the most misguided political moves in recent memory. While they thought Harris might breathe new life into the campaign, recent polling by CNN’s Harry Enten reveals just how deep their trouble really runs. It turns out, Harris is missing the mark with key voter demographics, particularly in the vital union-heavy Rust Belt that has historically been a cornerstone of Democratic support.
First, let’s break down the union crisis. Under Biden, union households, those critical to swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, were decidedly in the Democratic camp. However, Harris’ current standing trails Biden by a staggering ten points among these voters. This is particularly concerning for her campaign, especially since Biden was once viewed favorably in such regions as “Scranton Joe,” a label that has lost its luster under Harris’ more liberal, San Francisco-brand of politics. With Harris struggling to connect with a demographic that values traditional, blue-collar issues, it seems the Democrats have not thought this through.
‘The Worst Democratic Performance in a Generation’: CNN Sounds Alarm on #Harris’s Waning Support Among Union Voters https://t.co/aFSOp13nHa #liar #useless
— yes…. me (@me_nobodyreally) October 1, 2024
Enten noted that Harris was only ahead by a mere nine points—a troubling statistic that would mark the worst performance for a Democrat in decades. To add insult to injury, Biden had previously enjoyed a 19-point lead back in the 2020 election, earning the affectionate title of “Union Joe.” Now, Harris has been left floundering while trying to woo a base that is increasingly looking toward Trump, especially when he speaks directly to their concerns about job security and illegal immigration.
The economic woes facing working-class Americans are also a major sticking point. Union households are grappling with the same inflation and financial struggles as the rest of the nation, and they are not likely to be swayed by a candidate who has consistently demonstrated a disconnect from real-world issues. MSNBC’s findings echoed this sentiment, showing that Harris is losing the male demographic on multiple fronts. Whether old, young, white, or of color, men across the spectrum appear reluctant to back Harris, which could prove disastrous as men have traditionally been a strong voting bloc for Democrats.
Examining the wider polling landscape, it’s hard not to notice that Harris is not only trailing Trump nationally but also in crucial battleground states. In virtually every significant locale, from Nevada to Wisconsin, Trump is not just ahead; he is dominating. The results from union polling, particularly among the Teamsters, paint a clear picture of voters looking for a candidate who resonates with their priorities—namely jobs and economic stability. The glaring gap in support for Harris could signal a significant shift in electoral power.
With only D.C. serving as Harris’ safe haven, the implications of her unfavorable polling among unions could lead to disastrous outcomes for the Democrats in upcoming elections. The signs are clear: voters are prioritizing pragmatism over progressivism, and Harris struggles to present herself as a viable alternative. If the Democratic leadership’s gamble does not pay off, the party may face devastating consequences at the polls, and that would leave many scratching their heads as to how they miscalculated their path to victory so spectacularly.
