As the US election approaches in just four days, Vice President Kamala Harris is facing difficulties in gaining support from male volunteers within certain labor unions, a crucial factor for mobilizing Democratic voters through phone calls and door-to-door visits, according to senior officials on Friday.
Historically, labor unions have been strong allies of Democratic candidates. Both Harris and President Joe Biden have consistently shown their support for unions during contract negotiations and have advocated for workers’ rights. However, Republican candidate Donald Trump has made significant strides with union workers over the past few years, which poses a risk for Harris. Any decline in her support could prove critical in this tight race.
If elected, Harris would create history as the first female and second Black president of the United States. Yet, both sexism and racism are perceived as significant barriers to her campaign’s success. Liz Shuler, the president of the AFL-CIO, representing 12.5 million union members, noted that while overall enthusiasm for Harris is high, sexism may be affecting her support in some unions. She commented, “Let’s be honest, there are people who look at a female candidate and dismiss her at face value because she’s perceived as not being presidential.” This sentiment contrasts sharply with how male candidates, such as Trump, are viewed.
Connecting with male union members at home can be particularly challenging. To address this issue, the AFL-CIO has adopted a strategy of visiting men at their workplaces, where the likelihood of engaging them in meaningful conversations about their concerns is much higher. This approach aims to bridge the gap and enhance understanding, ultimately rallying support for Harris as the election draws near.
