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The Teamsters conducted a membership poll to determine an endorsement for a candidate for President. The first poll was not the result Teamster leadership wanted.
See, what happened was that the Teamsters promised everyone that they were going to do top-to-bottom survey of their membership and make the endorsement based upon the outcome. The result?
Trump 60%, Kackler 35%, other/undecided 5%
That was kind of embarrassing, so they ran an extensive phone survey instead, calling union stewards, union halls, the reliable political class ever-present in a union. That result?
Trump 60%, Kackler 35%, other/undecided 5%
The easy way out is not endorsing anyone. The Teamsters are one of the most powerful unions in the US but not as powerful as politicians in Blue cities and Blue states. Contending with Blue bureaucrats, as well as Blue judges in future labor legislation or possible criminal investigations if you endorse the wrong person may lead to retribution.
The rank-and-file union members have the advantage of the secret ballot even though all unions use part of their dues to support candidates that they do not support.
Discussion (31)
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It's been reported that the Teamsters management's statement was, essentially, we don't have majority support for Harris, nor unanimous support for Trump, so we won't endorse anyone.
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I would call that a landslide.
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At least they had the good graces to publish the results of their members so all can see the integrity of the teamster's leadership w.r.t. earlier promises.
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Excellent point.
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During the 2016 Presidential campaign, I played golf with a fellow who frequented the course. He was a pipefitter and a union member- a nice guy. During the round, I asked him about the upcoming election. He was shy about his opinions and I, naturally, was not. So I asked him who he was voting for. He said, Clinton. In a friendly way, I chided him, "Why would you do that? Clinton has never created a single job in construction. She cares nothing about you. Trump is your natural ally. He's built numerous terrific and large buildings, hired 10's of thousands of union workers, and feels and exhibits great respect for the jobs you do." He nodded in agreement and then said, "But I have to vote Democrat. I always have."
I can relate. But I did vote for a Democrat once...probably more than once. I voted for Clinton for his second term ( Perot for the first) and, no doubt I voted for a Democrat Mayor at least once because there were nothing but Democrats running for the office. It's difficult to break habits.
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