Staff Reports
Michigan is proving to be the surprise battleground that could very well shatter the Democrats’ so-called “Blue Wall.” Reports indicate that after some eyebrow-raising segments showcasing Kamala Harris’s dismal performance with her traditionally reliable voter groups, a significant shift is bubbling below the surface. CNN’s Harry Enten shook the trees, pointing out that although Trump leads Harris by a whopping 27 points among non-college white voters, it’s becoming increasingly probable that Trump could pull even more support from this group than pollsters expect. If that happens, Democrats might want to stock up on TUMS.
Take, for instance, Bill Govier, a veteran autoworker who’s now throwing his support behind Trump after having previously backed RFK Jr. Bill is convinced that he’s not alone; he suspects that a healthy portion of his co-workers at the Ford plant are planning to do the same. Meanwhile, UAW President Shawn Fain might be salivating over the Democrats, but he’s also come to realize that the labor force is singing a different tune, with many members leaning toward Trump. It seems that in union halls, loyalty to party leadership doesn’t always match the rank-and-file sentiments.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. If there is a surprise on Election Night it’s that Trump does better among white, non-college than polls suggest – which would likely flip Blue Wall. https://t.co/26u9t7qtvu
— Amy Walter (@amyewalter) October 21, 2024
Other unions are playing a similar tune. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters decided to sit this one out after discovering nearly 60 percent of their members back Trump. This refusal to endorse showcases a critical disconnect: unions blasting Democrats in theory while their members quietly (or not-so-quietly) back the guy who put America first. The snub from the Michigan chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters is another significant reminder that the old playbook isn’t cutting it anymore. Kamala was surely counting on that endorsement, so the surprise is double for her as she attempts to propel her campaign forward.
Shifting focus to the ground realities for Michigan voters, it’s evident they’re more concerned about the skyrocketing utility and grocery bills than they are about the Democrats’ favorite topic—abortion. With Michigan’s state constitution already protecting abortion rights, the Democrats’ attempt to rally the masses around this issue has clearly hit a wall. Phone calls for help with soaring household expenses are drowning out cries about reproductive rights, as families are burdened with the very real impact of Biden and Harris’s policies.
Finally, Michigan’s current political landscape shouldn’t just worry Democrats; it should send them scrambling for their calculators. If the anticipation and uncertainty surrounding Election Day stretch into the following morning, they’ll have ample reason for insomnia. While it remains to be seen how the votes will fall, one thing is for sure: Michigan voters are keeping their eyes on the real issues—their wallets—while the Democrats are left to rely on outdated strategies that are failing to resonate with a struggling electorate.
