Battle for Michigan’s Working-Class: Biden vs. Trump

The US Presidential election is rapidly approaching, and one particularly important battleground state is Michigan. With its rich manufacturing history, Michigan contains a large population of working class voters who could be the deciding factor in who wins the election. Recently, both Democratic nominee Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump held separate rallies in Michigan designed to appeal to the working class voters. At his rally, Biden painted a picture of a better future for America’s workers under his leadership. He harkened back to the heydays of American manufacturing, arguing that his platform of union protection, job security, and better wages would bring those days back again. Biden also attacked Trump’s record on trade and economics, calling his recent tariffs on Chinese imports a tax on the American people. He defiantly declared that he “will not stand by and let Donald Trump rip off the American worker.” In contrast, Donald Trump presented a focus on his economic and trade policies. He celebrated the recent jobs report, which showed that unemployment in the US hit its lowest rate since 1969. He claimed that he had put in place “the greatest job creating Presidency in history” and committed to bringing more jobs to working class voters in Michigan. Trump also painted the picture of a well-run US-China trade relationship, arguing that, under his tenure, both countries benefit from fair and just trade deals. Ultimately, whether Biden or Trump will win the state of Michigan ultimately rests in the hands of the working class voters. Both candidates have made their arguments and the race will likely be decided by how effective and persuasive each candidate was in convincing voters that they are the best choice for the working class.