NBC News, which leans left on most issues, summarizes the findings of a poll they commissioned which show the extent to which the GOP is becoming the party of the blue-collar working men and women of this nation.
The composition of the two major parties is changing, and one massive shift is coming in employment: the kinds of jobs Democrats and Republicans hold. There are signs across racial and ethnic demographic groups that Republicans are becoming the party of blue-collar Americans and the change is happening quickly.
The GOP has gained 12% among blue-collar workers and lost 1% among white-collar workers. Over the same period the Democrats have lost 8% of blue-collar workers and gained 1% of the white-collar. Even more interesting are the GOP gains among Black and Hispanic blue-collar workers, groups once thought to be “forever” Democrats.
Who should we credit for bringing these new voters inside the Republican big tent? Why Donald J. Trump, of course, he of the populist message. Something few seem to comment on, he managed to attract blue-collar workers while driving away relatively few white-collar types.
