"I would also say the Dems stopped representing the blue collar working class a long time ago. "
The only "blue collar support" the Dems have been providing for the last few decades is for unions, and then it's specious support, at best.
Dems support unions (that is, union leadership, not the rank and file) because unions continue to pour millions of dollars into Democratic coffers.
What's really telling, though, is just how many have quit their unions. In the 1970s over 30% of American workers were union members. Today it's under 12%, with most of those union members being public service. Private company union membership is now below 7%.
Democrats have done their level best to pass laws that would force workers back into union membership, or at least allow unions to collect dues from even nonmembers. Can't give up on those campaign contributions.
Is it any wonder that the Democrats have been losing union member support when they've gone to war with the oil, coal, and natural gas industries? What union member wants to see his dues go to a party that's actively trying to destroy his means of making a living?
It was made really clear to a lot of rank and file in 2020 when Brandon immediately cancelled the Keystone XL pipeline, despite getting the endorsement of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters, whose members would have greatly benefited from the line's construction. Allegedly UA lost a BUNCH of members over that.
It's not unlike gun owners in Tennessee and West Virginia finally getting their heads out of their asses and throwing their support to George Bush II back in 2000. They got tired of Democrats continuing to blame them personally for ever murder and mass shooting.
Took them long enough.
