Trumka: Early AFL-CIO endorsement 'conceivable'

[99th_Monkey]

Trumka: Early AFL-CIO endorsement 'conceivable'
By Timothy Noah * 09/01/15 * Politicio

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said Tuesday it was "conceivable" the labor federation would endorse a presidential candidate before the Iowa caucuses or the New Hampshire primary.

The AFL-CIO is typically reluctant to endorse any presidential candidate early, preferring to wait until someone becomes the de facto Democratic nominee. The only recent exceptions were Al Gore, whom the labor federation endorsed in October 1999, and Walter Mondale, whom it endorsed in October 1983.

But in a breakfast meeting with Washington reporters, Trumka cracked open the door, saying "it is conceivable that" a pre-Iowa or pre-New Hampshire endorsement "could happen." He then added hastily, "It is not likely.
"The field is wide open," Trumka said. "There's a lot of time for things to happen and issues to unfold."

Trumka offered measured praise for Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. -snip- Trumka praised Sanders for "talking about labor law reform" -snip- Of Clinton, Trumka said she was "an experienced, good person" who "really has to figure out a way to energize workers." -snip- Of Vice President Joe Biden ..(Trumka said).. "He has been a friend and a champion."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/afl-cio-labor-federation-richard-trumka-endorse-2016-candidate-213231#ixzz3kXJsCbUl

[WillyT]

1. K & R !!!

[MADem]

2. Wasn't he muttering about Biden just a short minute ago?

I wouldn't hold my breath. I think he wants notice and relevancy, he's not about to color outside the lines. "It is not likely" still means what it always means.

He pretty much had something sweet to say about ALL the Democrats:


http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/09/01/afl-cios-trumka-touts-biden-criticizes-gop-candidates-on-immigration/

[Ken Burch]

3. It will be a betrayal of the workers if the AFL-CIO gives HRC an early endorsement.

If she does get nominated, endorse her then. She's done nothing to deserve union backing at any point in her career so far.

[ericson00]

9. supporting the only electable candidate is not betrayal, it is honour

to the Party. For what Bill and her have done for America, she's done everything to deserve their backing.

[HappyPlace]

10. They've done enough for America. They can stop now.

No more doing for America, we can't afford anymore of what they do.

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. Well, we're about to find out just how sincere Trumka is

about the AFL-CIO and its workers. If he/the Union doesn't endorse Bernie, we'll know he's bought and paid for because no one supports Unions like Bernie - NO ONE. Bernie always has on his walking shoes.

[RoccoR5955]

5. You got dat right!

Any union who does not support Bernie is bought and paid for by the establishment.
I know some of the union brass who are part of the establishment, and they should go.
Even my little local often times supports the wrong candidate for all the wrong reasons.
There's no reason to believe that the top brass are any different.
We shall see who's side Trumka is on.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. This needs music

[99th_Monkey]

7. Nice one -nt-

[Adrahil]

8. That dude always comes off a bit smarmy to me....

I dunno.... maybe it's the 70's-ish moustache....

He always reminds me of Mike Ditka too.... Not a good thing.