With the presidential election only a few weeks away, the race for Michigan’s working class voters is heating up. Both Democratic candidate Joe Biden and incumbent Republican Donald Trump are competing to win over these voters’ support.
The working class in Michigan has long been a cornerstone of electoral life in the state. Their concerns have become especially important in 2020, as the economy has been greatly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Depending on the outcome of this election, the future of Michigan’s working class could take drastically different paths.
For Biden, the chance to court working class voters is an opportunity to revive some of the popular New Deal programs that have long been championed by Democrats. Biden’s campaign has also reflected more progressive leanings on issues such as healthcare. He has promised that if elected President, he will work to protect the Affordable Care Act and bring down prescription drug prices.
Trump meanwhile is attempting to use his record of job creation as an argument for re-election. By touting his “America First” platform and presenting himself as a champion of blue-collar workers, he hopes to draw support from Michigan’s working class. However the increase in job numbers is simply not enough to offset the scale of job losses in recent months.
The result of this election will have a crucial effect on the lives of Michigan’s working class. While the election’s outcome is still uncertain, many in the state hope that their vote will make a difference in deciding who wins the White House.
