ABSTRACT
The Democratic advantage among white working-class voters during the 20th century rested largely on economic issues. Democrats appealed more to working-class voters because they supported stronger social welfare policies, were more favorable toward labor unions, and were seen as the party better able to manage the economy, especially for the benefit of the working class. Economic issues remained important in the 21st century, but white working-class voters became more similar to middle-class whites on these issues, to the point that there was little class difference by 2016. Moreover, attitudes on trade pushed white working-class voters toward Donald Trump in 2016. These changes in class differences on economic issues contributed to the change in the relationship between social class and voting.
