uh-oh! Hillary Clinton faces grilling as she seeks labor movement endorsement

[99th_Monkey]

Hillary Clinton faces grilling as she seeks labor movement endorsement
The Democratic frontrunner will have an hour-long interview with the AFL-CIO federation but backing is in doubt as leftwing rival Bernie Sanders strikes a chord
July 30, 2015 * The Guardian * by Dan Roberts

Hillary Clinton faces a crucial test of her wavering support among American labor unions on Thursday, with an hour-long interview to help determine whether the AFL-CIO national federation will endorse her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Though union leaders are expected to delay their joint decision until closer to the party’s convention next summer, the fact that their individual backing for the former secretary of state is not a foregone conclusion signals a surge in enthusiasm for her leftwing rival, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.

Sanders wowed many during his own appearance before the AFL-CIO executive council meeting on Wednesday with an emotional appeal for them to join his grassroots movement, according to several of those present in the room.

By contrast, Clinton is expected to be pressed about her lukewarm support for key union campaigns on trade and the minimum wage, as well as fears among some labor leaders that a recent shift to the left in her policy speeches is not matched by a long-term commitment to their cause.

“The most important thing she has to deal with is a perception of an enthusiasm deficit, and the sense that she is running because it’s her turn and not because she has a compelling vision for the country,” said one senior union official. “So Clinton’s challenge here is going to be to manifest fire in the belly.”

So far, only one major union, the American Federation of Teachers, has endorsed any of the candidates.
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/30/hillary-clinton-faces-grilling-labor-movement-endorsement

[merrily]

2. IMO, fire in the belly to get to the Oval Office is not the issue.

I think she has that. However, she lacks a track record of putting American jobs and American workers ahead of Third Way and trickle down philosophies.

I also think that, if anyone really wanted to endorse Bernie, they would be doing it. I think this is about holding back to make a point and to pressure Hillary to make more pro-union pronouncements. Unions know that Democrats can do that and then misplace both their comfortable shoes and their EFCA legislation and also hold their national convention in a right to work state. However, union bigwigs are still, I think, in LOTE mode. I pray their members are not, at least not for the primary.

[99th_Monkey]

3. I love that Sanders "wowed" them.

Not surprised, but still delighted that Labor is not reflexively endorsing
the "inevitable" Dem. candidate just yet, is giving Sanders a fair hearing.

I think it's probably a no-brainer in the GE that they'll endorse whoever
is the Dem candidate, so I wish they would endorse in the Primary,
which is what they'll need to do if they really don't want TPP, and really
DO support the $15 an hour min. wage.

btw - what's LOTE again?

[merrily]

5. The article is pointing out that no one is the Dem candidate at this point.

IMO, unions are crazy not to endorse him and hope their endorsement helps him win. They know her record and they know his.

Others leaders point to recent CNN polling suggesting both candidates would fare similarly well against leading Republicans, and are leaning toward an imminent endorsement of Sanders instead.

“Let’s just be real,” the National Nurses United director, RoseAnn DeMoro, told the Guardian. “Bernie Sanders aligns with everybody in organised labor, top to bottom. He can talk about our issues as well as we can talk about our issues.”

From the OP article.

Let's say they endorse him and Hillary wins. What the hell do they think they might lose? On the other hand, let's say they endorse him and that helps him win. They've hit the jackpot.

[99th_Monkey]

6. You speak the truth merrily

Now I see why you're feeling the Bern so brightly

<-- Do you think can we petition Skinner for a new "feeling the Bern" smilie?

This ^ one got adopted on DU as part of the push to get Obama elected, and it somehow
doesn't feel right to use it to signify solidarity with another DU Bernista.

Oh and what does LOTE stand for again?

[merrily]

9. I intend to, 99th and I sure try. I think you have to give the admins the smilie you would like and

then ask. I don't have a problem with the fist bump, though.

LOTE stands for Lesser of Two Evils.

[99th_Monkey]

12. Ahh! so that's LOTE. Cool .. a very useful abbreviation Thanks. -nt-

[hootinholler]

4. Just another Guardian Hillary hit piece!

[L0oniX]

7. IMO this belongs in GD or GDP.

[99th_Monkey]

8. you are welcome to steal it

and post it there. for now, I'm taking a break from the GD-P shit-storm

[merrily]

10. Trash forum is nice. If you miss the shitstorm, you can always "untrash."

So far, I have not been tempted.

[99th_Monkey]

11. I still lurk, and participate in limited way, on GD-P

I just don't post OP's there anymore.

But I still like following what's going down there,
as it's just more information to work with.

Thanks though for the thought. I'm not wanting
to trash the forum yet, but one never knows anymore
what the future holds.