Democrats are raising concerns after the Teamsters Union, representing over one million workers, declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Many on the left now fear that the union's verdict on the race could boost former President Donald Trump's chances of reclaiming the White House, especially given his support among union members, as Breitbart reports.

The refusal comes at a time when Harris is struggling to gain traction with certain key voter demographics, and the Teamsters’ decision has sparked worries among Democrats that Harris may face similar challenges to those Hillary Clinton encountered in the 2016 election when Trump won over a significant portion of the union vote.

Union leaders and Democratic strategists see parallels to Clinton's failure to connect with union members, particularly in the Rust Belt states, which helped secure Trump's victory.

Teamsters Union Breaks from Tradition

The Teamsters Union has traditionally endorsed the Democratic Party's candidate for president, having done so since 1996. However, in a surprising move, the union announced it would not be endorsing any candidate for the upcoming election. This development has left many Democrats worried about Harris's prospects with working-class voters, particularly union members who played a crucial role in past elections.

Internal polling conducted by the Teamsters revealed a large portion of its members support Trump. This data only intensified Democratic concerns, as Trump has consistently performed well with union members in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. The union’s decision to stay neutral has raised questions about whether Harris can make inroads with these voters in time for the election.

Trump's Union Support Worries Democrats

The concern is particularly acute among Democrats due to Trump's strong standing with union members, especially white non-college-educated men. Democrats are worried that Harris, like Clinton, may fail to resonate with this group. This demographic proved decisive in 2016, and Democrats fear it could once again shift the balance in Trump's favor.

Pete Giangreco, a Democratic consultant, has expressed concern about the widening gender gap between Harris's support among white non-college women and men. "The good news is that she’s doing better than most Democrats ever have with white non-college women," Giangreco said. "But the bad news is that with white non-college men, we’re seeing a step back."

Concerns Mount Over Rust Belt Voters

Democrats are particularly focused on the Rust Belt, a region that has long been a battleground for union votes. In 2016, Trump flipped several key states in the region, thanks in large part to his appeal among working-class voters. Many Democratic strategists worry that without the support of unions like the Teamsters, Harris may face an uphill battle in these states.

Adding to the unease, Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, have made overt appeals to working and middle-class Americans, including union members. Their efforts appear to be resonating, with polling showing growing support for Trump among union members, particularly men.

Comparison To 2016 Fuels Anxiety

Democrats are increasingly comparing Harris's situation to that of Clinton in 2016. Clinton’s inability to win over enough union voters was a major factor in her loss to Trump. Some within the Democratic Party fear that Harris may be following a similar path, as her support among older, white, working-class voters remains weak.

An unnamed union official, who supports Harris, voiced this concern, saying, "Hard not to have HRC flashbacks right now, to be honest. That stuff might be wrong beneath the surface. I hope it’s not." This anxiety reflects the broader worry within the Democratic Party that history could repeat itself in 2024.

Other Unions Stand by Harris

While the Teamsters' refusal to endorse Harris has raised red flags, it's important to note that not all unions have abandoned the vice president. Harris has received endorsements from the United Auto Workers union and the union representing postal workers, both of which hold significant influence.

These endorsements may help Harris bolster her support among union members, but the lack of backing from the Teamsters, one of the largest and most powerful unions in the country, remains a critical concern.

Trump’s Strategy Appears to Be Working

Trump's strategy of courting working-class voters has been a key part of his campaign, and it appears to be paying off. Despite his administration’s mixed record on union issues, Trump has managed to maintain strong support among union members, particularly those who feel left behind by the current administration's policies.

By emphasizing issues like trade and jobs, Trump has positioned himself as the candidate of the working class, and his message seems to resonate with many union voters. The fact that the Teamsters Union chose not to endorse Harris could indicate that Trump’s appeal among these voters is stronger than some Democrats anticipated.

Democrats Face Tight Deadline

With the election fast approaching, Democrats are scrambling to find ways to improve Harris’s standing with key voter groups. Giangreco highlighted the importance of closing the gender gap and making inroads with white non-college men in particular, noting, "We’ve got 47 days to figure that out."

The next few weeks will be critical for Harris, as Democrats work to prevent a repeat of 2016 and ensure that union voters don’t swing the election in Trump’s favor once again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Democrats are increasingly concerned that the Teamsters Union’s refusal to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris could signal a larger problem for her campaign.

The lack of union support, coupled with Trump’s growing appeal to working-class voters, particularly union members, has raised fears that the 2024 election could resemble the 2016 race.  With only weeks remaining, the pressure is on for Harris to win over these critical voters and prevent a repeat of history.