David Madland, senior fellow and advisor to the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress (CAP), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent research on voter preferences, the disconnect between public opinion and policy implementation and the current state of unions and the middle class.
A recent survey by CAP found overwhelming support for policies like raising the minimum wage, strengthening unions, taxing the wealthy and expanding Medicaid among college-educated and non-college-educated voters. Despite this consensus, Madland said there is still a gap between public desires and political action. He believes it is due to the outsized influence of elite donors and special interests who often oppose these policies for financial reasons.
Madland then discussed the strong public support for unions, with approval ratings at historic highs across educational backgrounds. He focused on the disconnect between this support and actual union membership, particularly in the private sector. Madland attributed this disconnect to legal barriers and corporate opposition.
Finally, Madland provided his thoughts on how political parties might leverage these findings. He discussed recent discussions with Democratic leaders about focusing on economic policies to win working-class voters and addressing issues like immigration. Madland suggested that if parties built a broad, bipartisan coalition around these popular economic policies, it could lead to more lasting change in American politics.
To hear more from Madland, listen to the full episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast above.