Dem
51
GOP
49
Last year, Joe Biden showed his support for unions by showing up in the picket line where members of the United Auto Workers were on strike against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. Yesterday the UAW returned the favor when its president, Shawn Fain, gave a full-throated endorsement of Biden. He said: "Donald Trump is a scab. Donald Trump is a billionaire, and that's who he represents."
This endorsement is especially important in the swing state of Michigan, where many UAW members live. If Fain constantly reminds them that when they needed help, Biden was with them and Trump was not, it could flip some votes. Also, Fain can try to get union members to help with the ground war, going door-to-door to talk to voters and pass out Biden literature. The UAW has 380,000 members, not all of whom are Democrats. Internal polling shows that about 30% are Democrats, 30% are Republicans, and 40% are swing voters. For this reason, the UAW is often one of the last unions to endorse candidates, but Fain saw Biden's help on the picket line as a good reason to endorse him early on.
The union held a 3-day conference in D.C. to chart its political priorities. Biden spoke there, pointing out that he is probably the most labor-friendly president in American history. His appearance and Trump's lack of an appearance could swing some members. If you want to watch Biden's speech, here it is. He spoke for 21 minutes and most certainly is not the demented old codger the Republicans depict him as. Just watch it and see. Biden is introduced by Fain and comes on stage at 1:12.
Appearances like this could be important. Remember, Trump's base is blue-collar workers. Some of them are proud union members. When they see Biden standing up for an important union, they may be torn between their views on cultural issues and their love for their union. A few percent here and a few percent there could make all the difference. (V)