Blue-Collar Vote Swaying Towards Trump, Says NY Union Leader

Despite a lifetime of supporting Democrats, a union leader in New York predicts blue-collar workers will back Trump in November due to economic and crime concerns, even amidst his legal battles.

A prominent union leader in New York, Bob Bartels, manager of Steamfitters Local 638, has declared his support for former President Trump in the upcoming election. Bartels, a lifelong Democrat, believes that the blue-collar vote will play a significant role in November and that workers are disillusioned with the current administration's policies.

Speaking on "Fox & Friends," Bartels emphasized that his decision is not driven by Trump's legal troubles but rather by the pressing issues facing Americans, such as economic hardships and rising crime. He stated, "Nothing changes my opinion because… I want to see what's done for America. I want what's right for America. I want what's right for the citizens, and my members want that also."

Bartels' sentiments align with recent polls indicating that Trump is gaining ground among blue-collar voters. A Wall Street Journal survey revealed Trump's lead over Biden in six of the seven key swing states polled. Furthermore, a poll conducted within Bartels' union showed Trump leading Biden by a margin of three to one.

Bartels explained, "Members have basically told me, ‘Listen, we want to vote for this guy,’ so when the time is right and I have a bigger poll to be done, we will make that decision, but I will do whatever my members want me to do."

Trump's visit to a construction site in New York City, where he was greeted by enthusiastic union workers, further reinforces Bartels' prediction of a shift in support among the blue-collar workforce. Trump declared, "We're going to make a play for New York."

Bartels acknowledged that Trump's legal woes may not influence his decision or that of his fellow union members. He stated, "I see a wave coming, as a matter of fact, and… nobody that I speak to likes what's going on in America right now."

The Supreme Court's ongoing review of Trump's immunity from prosecution in a case related to election interference has not deterred Bartels. He believes that the severity of the challenges facing Americans outweighs any legal considerations.

Bartels and his union's concerns mirror those of many blue-collar workers who are struggling to make ends meet. They are particularly burdened by rising inflation, gas prices, and crime, which have become prevalent in cities like New York.

Bartels concluded, "We are very tired of the situation with groceries, inflation, gas prices, illegal immigration, crime. We are living it every day in New York City."

As the election approaches, Bartels' support for Trump and his insights into the blue-collar vote signal a potential shift in political allegiances among working-class Americans.