Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 12, 2024 8:57 pm GMT
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has made a significant announcement in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election: for the first time in nearly thirty years, the influential labor union will not endorse a candidate. This decision follows internal polling that reveals a majority of its members support former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, indicating a shift in union sentiments.
Teamsters’ Polling Results
The Teamsters, which is known for representing truck drivers, freight workers, and other labor, conducted an electronic poll after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. The results were compelling:
- Approximately 60% of Teamsters members supported Trump.
- 34% favored Harris.
- 6% backed other candidates.
This internal data prompted Teamsters President Sean O’Brien to express disappointment regarding the lack of commitments from either candidate. “Unfortunately, neither major candidate was able to make serious commitments to our union to ensure the interests of working people are always put before Big Business,” O’Brien stated.
Historical Context of Endorsement
The Teamsters have a storied history of political endorsements. In the past six elections, the union has consistently backed Democratic nominees. However, the last time it abstained from endorsing was in 1996. Its last support for a Republican candidate came in 1988, when it endorsed George H.W. Bush. Recent elections saw the Teamsters endorse Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Biden in 2020.
O’Brien emphasized that the union’s primary interest lies in the welfare of American workers, stating, “At the end of the day, the Teamsters are not interested if you have a ‘D,’ ‘R’ or an ‘I’ next to your name. We want to know one thing: What are you doing to help American workers?”
The Implications of the Decision
The Teamsters’ choice to remain neutral could have major implications for both candidates. Securing the union’s endorsement is vital in swing states where Teamsters members are notably present, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. These states have fluctuated in their support; they went for Trump in 2016 but returned to Biden in 2020.
The Trump campaign moved quickly to highlight this support. A spokesperson noted, “While the Executive Board of the Teamsters is making no formal endorsement, the vast majority of rank-and-file working men and women in this important organization want President Donald Trump back in the White House.”
Here’s a breakdown of the Teamsters’ past endorsements:
| Year | Candidate | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | George H.W. Bush | Republican |
| 1996 | No Endorsement | N/A |
| 2000 | Al Gore | Democrat |
| 2004 | John Kerry | Democrat |
| 2008 | Barack Obama | Democrat |
| 2016 | Hillary Clinton | Democrat |
| 2020 | Joe Biden | Democrat |
Candidate Responses
The responses from the campaigns of both candidates shed light on their strategies moving forward. The Trump campaign emphasized its focus on the working-class appeal. “President Trump fights for America’s working men and women. President Trump’s agenda will bring tax relief and reverse the inflation that hurts working families the most,” they stated.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Harris’s campaign highlighted her efforts in supporting organized labor. “While Donald Trump says striking workers should be fired, Vice-President Harris has literally walked the picket line and stood strong with organized labor for her entire career,” the spokesperson remarked.
The Current Political Landscape
The Teamsters’ decision arrives at a time when union support has become a critical issue in American politics. Traditionally, labor unions have leaned Democratic. However, as Trump continues to gain traction among some union members, the political landscape is shifting.
Long-standing narratives about union allegiances are evolving, particularly following Biden’s proactive efforts to engage with labor. He has often reiterated that “the middle class built America, and unions built the middle class.” Additionally, Biden made headlines as the first sitting president to visit a union picket line last September.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 presidential election looms, candidates will need to navigate carefully through union sentiments. With the Teamsters supporting no one and showing substantial support for Trump, it exemplifies the changing dynamics within traditionally Democratic bastions.
The outcome in key states could pivot on how effectively each candidate aligns with the needs and interests of labor unions. As John O’Brien noted, connections with labor can be pivotal: “What matters is how candidates support American workers.”
Conclusion
The Teamsters’ choice not to endorse a candidate shows that the upcoming presidential race is going to be complicated. Many of their members support Trump, and this breaks a long history of backing Democrats. As both candidates try to win over important voters in the upcoming elections, it’s really important for them to listen to the needs of working-class Americans. This will help guide their campaigns and how they deal with workers’ rights in the future.
