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Workers Star at AFL-CIO Presidential Candidates Forum |
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The forum is over, and it’s clear who the stars of the night were—working families.
There was Steve Skvara from Union Township, Ind., who, during an emotional part of the debate, said his pension is too small to pay for health insurance for his wife. The audience gave Mr. Skvara a sustained applause in support.
Deborah Hamner’s husband, George Junior Hamner, was one of those killed in the Sago Mine disaster. She asked the candidates what they would do to improve mine safety.
Shirley Brown of Chicago discussed the four-year effort by her and her co-workers to form a union with AFSCME at Resurrection Health Care in Chicago and asked what the candidates would do to support the freedom to form unions.
On Iraq, a question came from Jim McGovern. McGovern served in Iraq but returned home to find his job at Maytag had been outsourced. He wondered what would be done to help veterans return home to good jobs.
These kinds of questions from real working men and women rarely get asked during the presidential debates.
But tonight, the candidates answered them, making for the most interesting debate yet.
Read blog coverage of the AFL-CIO Presidential Candidates Forum from Soldier Field:
22 Comments
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We had to re-post Payson’s article. Two comments were lost during the process, but here is the reproduced text of both of them:
1. by akesling, Aug 7, 10:05 PM
Dennis Kucinich is the ONLY “worker” Democratic Candidate. All the rest, besides Gravel, are ALL Corporate candidates. All you have to do is look at who contributes to their campaigns. As a former CWA member and long-time picket-ter in West Virginia, I cannot, in good conscience, support anyone other than Dennis Kucinich.
2. by Anonymous, Aug 7, 10:55 PM
This was an opportunity for working families to be heard—an open air forum on our issues, to be shared by the public at large. I think it was successful in introducing our agenda to the nation, and allowed everyone in the audience to feel a shared sense of values.
My take on Hillary Clinton has changed, a little. (Not only because she answered the question I submitted.) If she is truly going to be a friend to the working families in our nation, she is going to have to walk the walk and talk the talk with a little more conviction.
I am a John Edwards supporter; it wasn’t his best night, but he really does have some good, workable plans for health care and trade issues—we hasn’t forgotten his working-class heritage. Let’s hope he can forget how to get a $400 haircut, and remember how important the right to organize is for oppressed workers.
The regrettable moment, for me, was when Joe Biden dismissed the mining widow’s question in favor of one-upping his position on a different issue. Yeah, he came back to her, but it was as insensitive and opportunistic as any politician could be under the circumstances. With the Utah tragedy still unfolding, and her own tragic loss still fresh in her heart—how could he???
My heart broke for the brother whose pension and benefits dried up. His situation was too close for comfort—which was why I asked about pension protection. American corporations should be held accountable to the promises they make to workers.
I haven’t made up my mind about Obama; he’s likable and capable, but I’m not a fan. I don’t mean to lump the rest of the field together—Kucinich played to the audience in such a pandering fashion—and Dodd and Richardson will surely make good cabinet members.
I have some time to make up my mind before the California primary. If working families don’t help elect a candidate that can secure our futures, we’re doomed.
I guess what I’m most tired of is the media picking our frontrunners. If all candidates were given the same amount of airtime there would be only one frontrunner picked by the people and that’s the only one willing to kill the job-killing NAFTA agreement.
SHAME ON YOU, AFL-CIO!!
I am SO UPSET that the AFL-CIO did not invite Mike gravel to the debate. It almost ruined it….Mike gravel is a real friend to the American worker and to unions. He even wrote a book about it “Jobs and More Jobs”. To exclude him was a major mistake. We NEED his honesty and true concern (not the pandering and who has the best speech writer contest) for us American people, workers and retirees. Who’s side are you really on?
I just want to give a big THANK YOU to the AFL-CIO for putting together this Forum - the most important part of the night was the chance for workers to express whats important to us - and to show the candidates up there what we want to hear. In my opinion, the best candidate of the night was Kucinich - he showed he gets its just JUST about the employee free choice act, there are other things that matter to workers just as much - the other candidates (obama and hillary for instance) are so pro free trade, and other policies that are horrible for working families, its a big mistake to support them. the number 2 candidate for me was Edwards.. then Richardson.. and then the rest were pitiful except for a few cliche comments by Hillary.
Watching the debate last night made it very clear to me that Dennis Kucinich is the leader in getting rid of NAFTA, getting us out of the WTO, and doing what is right for the people of this country especially when it isn’t popular. It doesn’t matter what the media thinks…they are all corporations trying to get rid of unions. I also think Richardson hit a good note by saying he would get rid of the union busting lawyers at the labor dept. Maybe Kucinich should make Richardson his VP.
Egor, you’re way off base. Mike Gravel is not a serious candidate, and adds nothing substantive to the discussion, as he spends half his debate time whining about not getting enough screen time. Kucinich and Dodd and Richardson and even Biden are effective in varying degrees as challengers to the big 3, and all have a better chance of getting taken seriously as part of a national conversation about these crucial issues. This debate was an important one, and will likely be the only major debate hosted by the AFL this cycle, so I’m glad none of the time was wasted listening to Gravel complain and moan and pound on his podium.
“Steve Skvara from Union Township, Ind., who, during an emotional part of the debate, said his pension is too small to pay for health insurance for his wife. The audience gave Mr. Skvara a sustained applause in support.”
I hope our Union Leadership takes heed and recognizes the fact the it is their duty to fully restore the Health Care that was promised to us Retirees.
Sadly just the other day the Federal appeals court upheld the settlement that the UAW , GM and Ford made over the objections of me and 2000 other UAW Retirees.
Naturally our goal should be a Single Payer Universal Health Care system that is Free for all Americans. Until then the Union has an obligation to uphold the contractual agreements it’s members agreed to before they retired and not reduce the benefits the Retirees were promised.
I think the AFL-CIO should get behind Dennis Kucinich. He’s the only one who wants to scrap NAFTA and get us out of the WTO. He wants bilateral trade conditioned on human rights. We’ve lost 3.2 million jobs since 2000. We need someone who will take swift actions to fix our trade problems. The other candidates would be an improvement over what we have now, but I don’t think they would go far enough for the American worker.
I felt that all the Democratic candidates demonstrated a committment to our cause and all deserve our support. IMO, at this point Kucinich won my Soul, Edwards won my heart and Hillary won my vote.
First thing i did this morning was to send money to dennis kuchinich. he was totally fabulous last night and he says out loud what the front runners actually need to DO. thank you for making sure he was on the panel to be heard in the first place. hilary, too, was amazing. she IS presidential. she will do this. we’ll wipe them up.
I enjoyed the debate. These were some of the best questions we have seen yet. I have to agree with what John Edwards said about looking at what each candidate has presented as plans, and at what they have done in the past to support unions, in addition to just what they said on the stage last night. Several of them had good things to say last night. But Edwards is the one who talks about unions wherever he goes. He was the first one out with a number of plans that help the American worker. I like it that he has walked picket lines over the past four years and not just over the couple of weeks before this debate. And I liked it that he spoke up and said nobody should be allowed to cross a picket line and take somebody elses job. They all sound good. But I have read that Edwards is the only one who does not have a speech writer. All things considered, I think Edwards is the one who can win the election and will do everything that he has promised to do for working people once elected. I loved it when he said he would stand on the lawn of the white house and talk to the American people about how it is good for everyone to support unions.
Talk is cheap. Edwards walks the walk.
Hillary Clinton seemed to do the best of all candidates. However all candidates did well representing their party and speaking up on behalf of organized labor and working people of all strips.
Okay AFL-CIO are you listening? It is an obvious choice for our endorsement and it was further proven during the debate. Dennis Kucinich is our man! We need to show all candidates that we support those who truly and whole heartedly support us. I always hear Kucinich is the one who would be the best for labor but he can’t win. Why can’t he? Labor decides who wins or loses. Working men and women are the ones that vote. Dennis is the man that will walk with us, talk with us and fight with us! Working people are his constiuants whether they are from Ohio or from anywhere else in the country. He will get rid of NAFTA not try and fix it to appease the corporations.
When are we going to start standing up for those who support us instead of failing them before they even have a chance? We need to endorse Dennis! We need to support Dennis! We need to fight for Dennis! Because as we do this we endorse, support and fight for the majority, the workers of this country!
At Soldier’s Field last night I felt the power of the people for the first time in a long time, undiluted by talk-show spokespersons-for-corporate interests (like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Ann Coulter) pretending to be everyman, every-women. It was obvious from the crowd’s reaction that they knew the most important issues facing the 99.9% of Americans are trade policies, the right to organize, and health insurance. Let’s hope the rest of our fellow workers will not be sidetracked by gay marriage and fetal worship. I think Denise Kucinich represents 100% of what working Americans want and need. Edwards is a close second. The rest will be better than Bush, (who wouldn’t be?).
Dennis Kucinich
In boxing…there is a term commonly used to describe the single best fighter in any given weight class. “POUND-FOR-POUND” is the term…and, I have to tell you…in three of the last four debates, I can only describe the performances of Dennis Kucinich as making him POUND-FOR-POUND…the BEST Candidate ON ANY STAGE.
Prior to the start of this debate…Kucinich was the easy choice of anyone associated with the Peace Movement, because NO ONE ELSE ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE of this race wants to even be CALLED, “The Peace Candidate”.
After TONIGHT…LABOR has not only found itself a New Candidate and “Shining Star”…but also someone who…IF THE ORGANIZED LABOR MOVEMENT DOES WHAT IT SAYS IT IS WILLING TO DO…and GET IN BEHIND SOMEONE RIGHT NOW…in Iowa, New Hampshire, and EVERY ONE of the former Industrialized States of the Northeast, Mid-east, Midwest, Northwest, and California…I am prepared FOR THE FIRST TIME to suggest that Dennis Kucinich CAN BE A LEGITIMATE CANDIDATE for this nomination.
It is UNCANNY, how history tends to repeat itself. In 1992…when I wrote that previously referred to speech for Jerry Brown…Brown ended up LITERALLY two weeks short of becoming the nominee of the Democratic Party. Could Jerry have won a General Election in 1992? I don’t know…and probably not, given the recently Post-Reaganesque location of the political pendulum. However…the key point in my analogy is that at THAT time…the DNC (headed then by Ron Brown)…and virtually every Inside the Beltway Democratic Power Player had annointed THIS TIME, Bill Clinton as the nominee..while there was still a legitimate battle going on.
Internally…the DNC was attempting to strong arm ANYONE who even THOUGHT about coming out for Brown, by telling them…”EVEN IF HE CAN WIN THE NOMINATION…HE CAN’T WIN IN NOVEMBER.”
Now…even knowing the Mrs. Clinton CANNOT “win in November”…the same DNC (minus Ron Brown, of course)…want to AGAIN end the race before it begins…by attempting to minimize the ability of Dennis Kucinich (and all others) to be competitive in a General Election.
The political pendulum has swung, however, this time. And, with the performance which Dennis Kucinich gave tonight…the humor…the intensity…the power in his words which has been burgeoning with each and every debate…all I can say is…IF LABOR WANTS A CANDIDATE WHO WILL SCRAP NAFTA, SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO CREATE REAL MANUFACTURING AND HIGH PAYING JOBS IN THE UNITED STATES…AND WHO WILL APPOINT ADMINISTRATORS AND JUDGES WHO WILL BE SENSITIVE TO LABOR ISSUES AND WORKING AMERICANS…
Dennis Kucinich has CLEARLY established himself as the Candidate Labor MUST ADOPT…NOW.
Kucinich not only hit it out of the park, tonight…but fortunately…the bases were loaded when he came to the plate.
Kucinich answered EVERY QUESTION ASKED…and somehow managed to refrain from answering ones which were not asked of him. He was respectful, knowledgable, understanding, appreciative…and spoke with the wisdom, authority and vision which perhaps for the first time, CLEARLY established him as a viable Candidate and prospective leader of the most powerful nation on earth.
NOTE TO JOHN SWEENEY…
YOU FOUND HIM…NOW GET BEHIND HIM. THE IOWA STRAW POLL IS TOO IMPORTANT TO WASTE SUPPORTING JOHN EDWARDS. GET YOUR PEOPLE OUT NEXT WEEK IN IOWA, FOR KUCINICH. PUT HIM ON THE CHARTS AND INTO THE REAL GAME.
Note to Dennis Kucinich…
STOP SMIRKING WHEN YOU SCORE BIG! The people who look like they know what to do when they get into the end zone…are the people who ultimately score the most touchdowns…especially with the fans. I KNOW you haven’t BEEN THERE enough to know this…but, trust me, Dennis…John Edwards ONLY DOES ONE THING WELL…HE MAKES A POINT TO THE JURY…and manages to maintain his poker face. You’re on a roll Dennis…and closing in on a potential Endorsement. Make it easier for all of us to say yes. DON’T STOP BEING THE HUMBLE DENNIS WE KNOW AND LOVE…just because you made a funny…OR, even a GREAT POINT.
Assessment: “A+”
See FULL Presidential Forum Commentary by Lionus at:
http://www.myspace.com/lionusunleashed
I liked them all, they all are so better than Bush-any of them would be a good president. I would trust any of them to deliver for labor. With that said though- Kucinich absolutely HAMMERS the issues and I like that. Some of the others don’t mention WTO, NAFTA, or GATT. Sometimes silence on those issues lets you know where others stand. I do wonder how far to the left Dennis might go if president as I am liberal on many issues, but more middle-of-the-road on others like most in the Nation’s breadbasket- I want to do what is right, but I don’t want to crash the economy and put people out of work either, that would give the Republicons the election in the next election cycle. Dodd and Biden are underrated, Chris Dodd is one sharp Democrat and knows foreign policy and can carry his own weight in a debate. Hillary with Bill’s input could be stellar also. I have met Barack and he is studious and wise for his age. I guess this means the jury is still out with me, but I love the position we are in. Remember come election time though- it ain’t over ’til it’s over and you have to get out, knock on doors, work phone banks, write letters to the editors of your newspaper, and mobilize our base or we may get the surprise of our life if we take anything for granted.
With regards to the “electability” of certain candidates (ie: Dennis Kucincih)I truly believe that if people in this country vote with their best interests in mind, rather than who the MSM force down their throats, then Dennis Kucinich WILL be President in 2008. I urge each of you to go to this link and answer this questionnaire. It will give you some incite as to how the issues that matter to you compare to those of all the Presidential candidates, without prejudice (and you may be very surprised by the results):
http://www.dehp.net/candidate/
Please take the time to take this survey. This is how we should vote in this country. it only makes sense. And I am in no way, personally, trying to steer you away from any one candidate, whatsoever (OK, perhaps…maybe I am). But honestly, if your result tells you that you’re more aligned to Hillary Clinton, then that is exactly who you should vote for, same as if the survey steered you toward Sam Brownback…really! I am simply urging you to make wise choices based on your personal interests rather than what the corporate media anoints as the next President.
Dennis Kucinich may not be the candidate of the sophisticated, insiders at the DNC but he truly represents the interests of American workers.
He is by far the most progressive and outspoken candidate against the war, for universal healthcare (H.R. 676), for labor’s right to organize and for protecting our environment from the pollution caused by the same corporate bosses that are screwing us on the job!
He has my vote!!
Any candidate would be better for American Working Families AND America than any Republicon-artist currently attempting to hookwink the Workers. We must ralley around ANY Democratic candidate selected and remember that (R) on a ballot means REJECT. Take the power from the corporate raiders and self intest lobbyists! The Debates were FANTASTIC.
I was very disappointed not to see Mike Gravel there.
Dennis Kucinich clearly established himself as the labor candidate. My question is - will the AFL-CIO do the right thing and endorse him? If you’d do it now, he’d have a real shot in the primaries. It’s time for a real American president with solid American values and Dennis is the one you should support.
I was in Chicago, and as an Edwards supporter, I must be honest and say that Congressman Kucinich did the best job. As a former Clevelander, he has always had my heart.
Edwards is the best one to win in the general election. He will also bring with his nomination the most dem seats in both the house and the senate. He is not as polarizing as some of the candidates. He speaks about union issues where ever he goes.
He does not try to double-talk. He is honest about what he wants to do. He has been very vocal about how unions will raise the wages of all working Americans. As someone who has ‘been there’ and struggled to get where he is, he will fight for America’s workers. Edwards would deliver