In a surprising turn of events, Republican pollster Frank Luntz, historically critical of President Trump, shocked a CNN panel by revealing that a new “silent majority” is rallying behind Donald Trump. Luntz’s decades of polling have uncovered a growing rift between union leaders and their blue-collar bases, a dynamic that could significantly impact the upcoming election.
Luntz pointed out that President Trump is attracting unprecedented support from blue-collar union workers, a demographic traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party. “I’ve never seen such animosity between union bosses and their bases,” Luntz shared. According to him, the average union member, particularly those in trades and manual labor, feels increasingly alienated from their leadership. “Trump is doing better among them than any Republican has done in decades,” he emphasized, noting that this divide is only widening as union members express that their leaders “don’t speak for me.”
The CNN panel discussion was prompted by recent tensions within the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which filed federal labor charges against President Trump and Elon Musk over their discussion of non-union labor. This move is emblematic of the broader discontent within the union ranks. Trump’s appeal to union members is not new; he famously garnered substantial support from this group in his 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton. More recently, Trump has enjoyed a notable rapport with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, who spoke at the Republican National Convention, despite backlash from other union leaders.
Luntz’s revelation is backed by his focus groups, where union members have consistently voiced their disillusionment with their leadership. “I’ve been doing this since 1989, and I’ve never had union people publicly say ‘they don’t speak for me,'” Luntz reiterated on CNN. This sentiment was echoed by union members who have interacted with Trump on the campaign trail. For instance, during Trump’s Manhattan hush money trial, New York construction union workers showed up in full force, expressing their support for the former president.
Bobby Bartels, president of Steamfitters Local 638, articulated the frustration among union members. “In the past, we were basically Democrats. But after what’s happened the last four years, Democrats are pushing everybody to the other side,” he told Newsmax. Bartels highlighted critical issues such as immigration, crime, and economic pressures that resonate deeply with his members, driving their support for Trump.
The implications of this silent majority are profound. As Trump continues to court union support, visiting key swing states and addressing union concerns directly, the traditional Democratic stronghold on blue-collar unions is increasingly under threat. This shift could reshape the political landscape, making union support a pivotal factor in the upcoming election.
Frank Luntz’s findings reveal a significant and growing base of support for President Trump among blue-collar union workers. The discontent within union ranks, coupled with Trump’s direct engagement with these voters, suggests a potential realignment that could have far-reaching effects on the electoral outcome. As the election approaches, the silent majority’s influence will be a critical dynamic to watch.
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