Staff Reports
In a surprising twist that might force some liberal hearts to skip a beat, a recent poll reveals that rank-and-file members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have thrown their support behind former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris by a hefty 2-to-1 margin. With 58% of Teamsters favoring Trump and only 31% voicing their allegiance to Harris, it seems the truck-driving backbone of America may be endorsing a comeback.
The Teamsters, a union representing a significant chunk of the nation’s truckers and, let’s not forget, those trusty UPS drivers who always seem to arrive just in time during the holiday season, released their internal polling data to members this Wednesday. This kind of decisive backing for Trump reveals a rift between the union’s rank-and-file members and the higher-ups who have been rushing toward the Democratic train station.
Breaking News: Teamster leaders throw a fit and decide not to endorse Trump or Harris after its members break with Union leaders and chose Trump over Harris by 58-31
— Wendy Patterson (@wendyp4545) September 18, 2024
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien proclaimed the endorsement process unfolding within the union to be the most inclusive and transparent in its 121-year history. One must wonder if he somehow missed a memo about which way America is leaning. The president asserted that the voices of union members should be prioritized, which, if taken seriously, is a clear nod to the sentiments on the ground—suggesting they prefer a pro-business, pro-American agenda over whatever it is Harris is selling.
It’s hard to overlook the timing of this poll. Just two days before this data was shared, O’Brien had a cozy meeting with Harris at the Teamsters’ headquarters in Washington, D.C., likely discussing truck routes and the price of diesel—but who’s really keeping track? Prior to that, he had even gotten into hot water for appearing at the Republican National Committee meeting. Meanwhile, labor leaders have been sounding off in support of Harris, hoping to ride on the coattails of the Democratic machine. This mighty endorsement from the Teamsters would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the political landscape, acting as a major boon for Trump’s campaign.
Looking further into the dynamics of the current race, Trump was not quite as favored against President Biden, before Biden vacated the presidential ring this summer. An early poll before Biden’s exit showed him lagging behind with a 44.3% to 36.3% deficit among Teamster members. But now with Harris at the forefront of the Democratic ticket, Trump continues to rally support from working-class Americans—those who are well aware that the truck doesn’t run on empty, especially not when government interference is at play.
Biden’s withdrawal was calculated, as it created a concern that his presence would bring down the House of Representatives candidates in his wake. So, what do Teamster members see in Trump that has them throwing their collective legs over the side of the proverbial pickup truck? Perhaps it’s the notion of retaining jobs, economic growth, and a leader who understands the common man’s struggles, unlike the current vice president whose policies are likely derived from an ivory tower. The upcoming electoral battleground has never looked more interesting, and the Teamsters’ endorsement might just be another nail in the Democrats’ coffin.
