Top unions put brakes on Clinton endorsement SEIU and AFSCME decide to hold off

[Catherina]

Top unions put brakes on Clinton endorsement

SEIU and AFSCME decide to hold off, in part because of a prospective Joe Biden candidacy.

By Annie Karni

09/22/15, 01:08 PM EDT

...

The decisions are a setback for Hillary Clinton, who has been courting the labor giants in the hopes of an early lock down of two powerhouse unions that can organize millions of members and resources on the ground. And they come against the backdrop of a Clinton campaign show of force -- in terms of establishment donors, delegates and endorsements -- as Biden weighs his options. Adding the support of two of the most muscular unions now would have sent a powerful message there is little room in the race for the vice president.

...

Both unions, however, chose to put off any decision and remain uncommitted in the 2016 race. "We are determined to take the time necessary to make sure every voice is heard," an AFSCME official told POLITICO.

Supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders hailed the delay as a victory, and attributed it as much to Biden’s influence on the race from the sidelines as Sanders’ momentum.

“The hesitation on their part is likely due as much to Bernie as to Biden -- he throws uncertainty into the mix,” said Rand Wilson, communications director for SEIU local 888 in Boston, who personally supports Sanders. “This gives more time for the supporters of Sanders to work hard to win their national leadership’s support. It’s very positive.”

...

Top union officials are also looking to avoid the revolt among rank-and-file teachers who publicly called on the American Federation of Teachers to withdraw its endorsement of Clinton last July, claiming there had been little internal discussion with teachers before the union backed Clinton.

...

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/hillary-clinton02016-unions-delay-endorsements-213922

[NCTraveler]

1. Two enormous endorsements that hold a lot of weight.

They have numerous excellent people to look at. I think we can all agree these two will be big when they endorse.

[Bucky]

3. and by "we can all agree" I suppose you mean everyone but Tommy2Tone

[NCTraveler]

5. Not familiar with the tommy2tone reference.

Googled it and there doesn't seem to be a consensus there.

[JI7]

11. referring to reply 2 in this thread

[NCTraveler]

12. I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out.

I immediately googled tommy2tone after reading the reply. There are some very witty duers here that often send me on google searches where I learn something new. I didn't read any more replies after googling it. Very funny. Thanks for the heads up.

[Tommy2Tone]

2. Yawn

[BeanMusical]

22. Did you know that...

It's not uncommon to find that your anxiety is making you yawn more. Yawning is actually a very common symptom of anxiety

http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/signs/yawning

Nervous?

[Tommy2Tone]

27. Or seeing the same post day after day

[BeanMusical]

31. Lol, sure.

[oasis]

4. It would be great for members to be involved early with

the Dem nominee. Taking on the GOP Money machine in the general election is going to be tough enough as it is.

[nichomachus]

6. As long as we all realize that endorsements are bullshit

They are basically bets being placed by people who want something in the future and are putting their money on who they think might win -- or they are debts being paid for past favors.

If you vote for or against someone based on who "endorses" them, you are failing at voting.

[Comrade Grumpy]

7. Labor endorsements aren't bullshit.

They bring resources with them. Union members do a lot of nuts and bolts campaign work.

I'm glad these two big unions are taking their time.

[nichomachus]

8. So, they're not expecting anything from the candidate? n/t

[NCTraveler]

13. They are expecting the candidate they endorse to be supportive of unions. nt.

[Catherina]

10. I've never been part of a union, can you explain how that works?

Is the labor performed more by volunteer union members who support that particular campaign?

Are the resources paid for with money from union dues?

Thanks Comrade Grumpy

[druidity33]

40. In my Union

we can choose to contribute to the Political Fund (It's not part of dues), but as far as i know we never endorse candidates, only support legislation.

[Catherina]

43. Thanks druidity33 n/t

[TBF]

42. My parents were both in unions -

they would usually follow the endorsements but sometimes voted even more left (they especially liked Jesse Jackson). I don't think a Clinton endorsement at this point would deter Sanders supporters so it's wise of the unions to hold off.

[Catherina]

44. Thanks TBF

What do you know about the part about working for the candidates (the nuts and bolts mentioned above)? I'm curious how much of the membership's union dues go to that once the leaders endorse. Do you know?

[TBF]

45. That I don't know -

my parents were working manufacturing back in the 1960s-80s.

[Catherina]

9. Busy people who don't follow records as closely

give them weight

edit. and what Comrade Grumpy said

[jwirr]

16. A labor endorsement carries a lot of volunteers and donations

with it. That said I wish they would hold off until at least after the first couple of debates.

[Skwmom]

14. I think the union bosses have become just as corrupt as our politicians. n/t

[Catherina]

17. Watching many of them in action for the last 15 years, I think so too n/t

[druidity33]

41. "Watching many of them in action"?

Can you elaborate?

[Omaha Steve]

46. x 2

No reply yet?

[Robbins]

15. Any Unions considering endoring clinton aren't serious

Time and again she has been against unions and working people in favor of corporations,and wall street.

You have a real Pro-union guy like Bernie who has walked the talk.

[Catherina]

18. Somewhere there must surely be a bankers union, no?

A Wall Street Union? Pharma Exec?


Agreed Robbins.

[Demeter]

21. Check out the country club

or the Chamber of Commerce

[Catherina]

37. Lol! n/t

[Aerows]

39. You mean like the Whites-Only Country Club

she and Bill were paying members of when he was Governor in Arkansas and running for President?

Lest someone demand proof, I hope the NY Times is adequate.

NY Times

Arkansas Times

[JDPriestly]

33. Check out Hillary's donor list.

[Catherina]

38. Yep! Sure enough n/t

[WillyT]

19. HUGE K & R !!! - THANK YOU !!!

[DanTex]

20. This is HUGE for Bernie! Two unions endorsed NOBODY!!!! Epic victory for the Bern!

[BeanMusical]

23. Kick and R

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

24. Yay!!

[passiveporcupine]

25. I wonder what Biden's game is

Is he holding back on entering the race, because he really doesn't want to, but he will if it means throwing the race for Bernie and defeating Hillary?

[Enthusiast]

29. I know Righties® are never correct about anything.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

30. Is that the consensus among your associates?

righty's say hillary has strokes and may have m.s.anybody know anything about this?

What is the consensus among your associates?

[zappaman]

32. BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I dunno.
What do YOU know about this???

[DemocratSinceBirth]

35. Well, you're a subtle one.

[Enthusiast]

28. Kicked and recommended a whole bunch!

This is great news!

[Renew Deal]

34. Didn't AFSCME endorse Dean in 2004 and Clinton in 2004?

Not sure it matters much either way.

[MrMickeysMom]

36. Stay awake and ...