Teamsters non-endorsement underscores importance of male, union voters

 

MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- After an influential union decided not to endorse in the presidential race, some experts say it could influence certain battleground states where union membership is strong.

For the first time in nearly 30 years, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters declined to hand out a presidential endorsement.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump both met with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, but neither were able to land the unions support.

Shortly after the announcement, Wisconsin Teamsters threw their support behind Harris and as well as local chapters in Michigan and Nevada.

The powerful labor organization, that often backs Democrats, underscores what many political strategists already know: Male, working-class voters are up for grabs this election.

Male voters are among the biggest targets of the Harris campaign as they try chip away at Trump's advantage with white males.

Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, has been at the forefront of trying to appeal to union and labor groups by touting laws he enacted as Minnesota governor. He recently rallied union members at Milwaukee's Laborfest on Sept. 1.

"It seems to me the selection of Walz was a bit of a nod to his blue-collar background and military experience," said Mordecai Lee, Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "I'm not sure if he's breaking through, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he isn't."

However, Bill Carroll, the President of Teamsters Local 344, which represents United Parcel Service workers across Wisconsin and service industry workers in southeastern Wisconsin, said he has faith Harris can persuade working-class voters.

"The facts just have to get out," Carroll said. "We're confident she's going to be as much of a fighter as President Biden has."

The last time Teamsters sat out of a presidential election was 1996. Four years ago, they endorsed President Joe Biden. Since then, Harris and Walz have been trying renew union support that previously backed Biden.