Harris faces challenges with key union voters in blue wall states

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The Democratic Party's transition from President Joe Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate has highlighted potential vulnerabilities in key "blue wall" states. Internal polling from the Teamsters Union reveals that former President Donald Trump currently leads Harris nearly two-to-one among its members, marking the first time since 1996 that the union has withheld its endorsement of the Democratic ticket.

Prior to Biden's withdrawal, Teamsters' support favored him over Trump, 44.3% to 36.3%. However, following the swap, Trump’s support surged to nearly 60%, while Harris's approval dropped to the low 30s. Despite her improved standing in national polls, Harris faces skepticism among blue-collar, noncollege-educated workers in critical states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Trump's campaign has framed this shift as a strong indicator of his appeal to union members, emphasizing concerns over Harris’s policies on fracking and electric vehicles, which they argue could negatively impact jobs. In contrast, Harris's campaign points to her union endorsements and history of supporting labor initiatives.

Polls in Pennsylvania show Harris leading Trump by 50% to 46%, but Trump has significant support among male voters and white noncollege voters. Some Democratic strategists stress the need for Harris to address inflation, a major concern for blue-collar workers, to enhance her appeal.