Walter Robinson Jr., a 35-year Ford employee, expressed his disbelief at the support for Donald Trump among his coworkers, estimating that about 40% are in favor of the former president. Robinson, who has worked his way up from the assembly line to quality control, questioned how Trump, who has never held a traditional job, could understand the struggles of working-class Americans like those in the Ford plant.
Robinson often engages in debates with his colleagues, highlighting President Joe Biden’s support for organized labor and the UAW’s endorsement of him. Despite his efforts, Robinson finds that many of his coworkers are swayed by issues like guns, gays, abortion, and conspiracy theories surrounding figures like Hunter Biden.
The recent UAW strike, which ended last year, resulted in significant gains for members like Robinson, including wage increases and the restoration of cost of living adjustments. However, challenges remain, such as high gas prices impacting his weekly grocery expenses.
As part of a CNN project tracking the 2024 election, Robinson’s perspective sheds light on the political landscape in battleground states like Michigan. The UAW, with roughly 134,000 members in the state, remains a powerful political force, with members like Robinson skeptical of how endorsements will influence their colleagues’ political choices.
Another Ford employee, Bill Govier, emphasized the need for politicians who understand and represent blue-collar workers. Govier, who considers himself close to the political center, voted for Trump in the past elections but is now leaning away from Biden due to concerns about the economy and international relations.
In contrast, Chris Vitale, a Chrysler employee, remains a staunch supporter of Trump, citing the president’s focus on trade and manufacturing as key reasons for his continued backing. Vitale criticized Democrats for abandoning their support for manufacturing workers and believes that Trump’s policies align more closely with the interests of the middle of the country.
Bob King, a former UAW president, highlighted the disconnect between Trump’s rhetoric and actions, urging the union to focus on the tangible outcomes for blue-collar workers as they advocate for Biden in the upcoming election. King emphasized the need for politicians to deliver on their promises in order to earn the support of working-class Americans.
