AFT Members Weigh in on AFL-CIO Presidential Candidates Forum

by Seth Michaels, Aug 13, 2007

More than 17,000 union members and their families took part in last week’s AFL-CIO Presidential Candidates Forum, in which America’s working people expressed their concerns on a nationwide stage, as MSNBC and XM Radio provided live coverage. 

Among the dozens of unions that took part, AFT, the 1.4 million-member teacher’s union, went a step further and invited its members to describe their reactions on the AFT You Decide 2008 website. They responded with excitement about the strength of the union movement. Here are some of the reactions, and check out the full range here: 

I had the great experience of being present for the forum and thought it was fantastic. The real winner was our labor movement. What a powerful message to have all the candidates talk about how important unions are to our society and pledge support. I don’t think I have ever seen our political work placed in such a positive public light. Proud to be part of it all.
—Candice Owley, Wisconsin Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals

The response of over 17,000 union members to each candidate’s words may not have been clear to the MSNBC audience; however the candidates could not miss what is important to rank-and-file American labor.
—Mike Dale, West Suburban Teachers Union, Illinois

I believe that fewer questions should be asked and not run the event like the Kentucky Derby. This would provide a more complete response from the candidates and bring out a better sense of the candidates’ positions.
—Ted Rudin, Cleveland Teachers Union 

It was wonderful to listen to all the candidates talk about issues that affect my family and friends. The labor movement has many problems that could be helped or solved by a solid union president.
—Tom Bean, Arizona Federation of Teachers, Retiree

It was great. All the candidates seem to have middle class working family interests as their main focus. I hope that when the new president takes office, the focus is not lost among all the candidates.
—Ida Chester, Chicago Teachers Union

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