Dear Rundown reader,

Just a quick note, reader…

With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, there’s an abundance of critical information to share with you leading up to November 5th.

Which is why Election Insider - The Rundown is excited to announce that we will be publishing a new issue five days per week — Monday through Friday — leading up to Election Day.

So stay tuned for more insightful analysis to help you navigate the policies, positions and people integral to this election season.

Appropriately enough then, Senator J.D. Vance made a compelling case against illegal immigration during a recent interview at The New York Times.

Namely, he highlights the concerning decline in American men's labor force participation, attributing it partly to the influx of undocumented workers.

According to Vance: “We have seven million — just men, not even women, just men — who have completely dropped out of the labor force.”

Send your opinions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com

Your Rundown for Monday, October 21, 2024...

Immigration and Blue Collar Jobs…

Vance argues that these Americans could fill jobs currently held by illegal immigrants, particularly in industries like construction. “You absolutely could re-engage folks into the American labor market,” he says.

Vance also blames the Biden-Harris administration's lax border policies for a vacuum of blue-collar jobs for U.S. citizens.

Plus, the senator makes a strong case that illegal immigration is “one of the biggest drivers of inequality” and “one of the biggest reasons why we have millions of people who've dropped out of the labor force.”

All to say, Vance's argument challenges the notion that illegal immigration benefits the labor market. Instead, he contends it has led to the “evisceration of the American middle class.”

Say what you will about Vance, but he’s a credible voice on the plight of America’s disaffected men. In my opinion, that’s the part of his memoir Hillbilly Elegy that rings especially true.

For our purposes today, here’s what’s most striking: the significant overlap between two groups of Americans…

• Typical workforce dropouts — seven million American men strong, says Vance — and typical “undecided voters.”

• Last week, we profiled them: mostly younger, less educated men who have lower incomes compared to the general electorate. They are also more likely to be Black or Latino.

Because Trump and Harris are virtually tied in many of the most credible polls (more on that tomorrow), “undecided voters” may very well decide the election’s outcome in just over two weeks' time.

To win over these voters, we said last week, campaigns must combine personalized economic messaging with emotional connection.

We also asked: What could a campaign say today to persuade a voter who still hasn’t made up his mind?

I believe we’ve arrived at one possible conclusion…

By focusing on reengaging young American men, particularly those who may be struggling with addiction and trauma, Vance must present a vision for rebuilding the American workforce.

Speaking from personal experience and eye-witness observation, Vance’s position represents a fresh perspective on labor force issues and immigration, and how they’re uniquely intertwined.

Can Vance connect with these voters? He must if the Trump-Vance ticket hopes to capture about 5% of likely voters who still say they’re undecided.

Market Rundown for Monday, Oct. 21, 2024

S&P 500 futures are down 0.25% to 5,885.

Oil is up 1.70% to $70.40 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is up 0.85% to $2,752.40 per ounce.

Bitcoin’s down 0.35% to $68,250 at the time of writing.

Send your comments and questions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com