In a strategic move to court union workers, President Joe Biden positioned himself as their champion and drew sharp contrasts with former President Donald Trump in a series of recent speeches. Biden's efforts come as he aims to rebuild the coalition that propelled him to victory in 2020, with a specific focus on winning over the critical union voter bloc.

At the North America's Building Trade Union (NABTU) National Legislative Conference on Wednesday, Biden wasted no time in criticizing Trump's upbringing and portraying himself as more relatable to working-class Americans. Speaking to the crowd, he stated, "Folks, we all know people like Trump who look down on us. Don't we? We all know somebody we grew up with like that. It's either Scranton values or Mar-a-Lago values."

Biden accused Trump of being a bully to working-class Americans and highlighted his close ties to billionaires. He emphasized that he stands with the labor movement, using inclusive language like "us" to establish camaraderie. Referring to the individuals from their pasts who would look down on them, Biden added with a chuckle, "I'm not suggesting we hit the president," indicating his willingness to stand up for the working class.

This show of solidarity with union workers has been a recurring theme for Biden. During a conference for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) last week, he took a swipe at Trump's wealth, asserting that he had learned the best way to get rich is by inheriting it. Biden drew attention to Trump's reality show, "The Apprentice," where he famously terminated contestants and contrasted it with his own upbringing, where hard work and paying taxes were valued.

The NABTU endorsed Biden on Wednesday, and the IBEW had previously endorsed him, highlighting his growing support among union groups. Biden has claimed to be the most pro-union president in history and has even participated in a picket line with autoworkers, becoming the first commander in chief to do so.

However, Biden faces a challenging task as he seeks to regain union support that shifted toward Republicans in the 2016 election. Union households in states like Michigan played a crucial role in Trump's victory, and recent polling shows Trump holding a lead over Biden in key battleground states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona.

Nonetheless, Biden has secured the endorsements of major union groups such as the United Auto Workers, United Steelworkers, and AFL-CIO. He expressed gratitude to the NABTU for their endorsement and lauded the contribution of labor workers in rebuilding infrastructure, citing the ongoing restoration of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after a tragic collapse.

In his closing remarks, Biden summarized the choice facing voters, stating, "Folks, the choice is clear. Donald Trump's vision of America is one of revenge and retribution." As he continues his efforts to appeal to union workers, Biden's rhetoric and promises of supporting the labor movement will be closely watched as the 2024 election approaches.

President Biden's focus on union workers and his contrast with Trump marks a deliberate strategy aimed at securing their support and solidarity. Whether this appeal will be enough to win back the union vote remains to be seen, but Biden's dedication to pro-union policies and his personal connections to the working class may play a significant role in determining his success in the next election.