Kamala Loses Out On Key Endorsement
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien recently met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the union’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., but stopped short of endorsing any candidate. O’Brien emphasized the meeting’s focus on “Teamster issues” and the needs of their 1.3 million members, underscoring the unique position of the Teamsters compared to other unions.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner, O’Brien highlighted that the Teamsters are distinct from many other unions. “Our union is different, and that’s something I respect,” he stated, reflecting on their diverse membership, which spans various political affiliations. O’Brien pointed out that the Teamsters’ representation includes not only registered Democrats but also Republicans and independents, which makes their endorsement process more complex.
Although O’Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, his attempt to participate in the Democratic National Convention the following month was not successful. This indicates his commitment to evaluating candidates based on their actions rather than party affiliation. “We’re focused on what a politician does for our members rather than which party they belong to,” he remarked.
The Teamsters are currently polling their members regarding a potential endorsement and plan to release these results publicly. O’Brien clarified that while the survey will be a significant factor in the endorsement decision, it will not be the sole determinant. “The polling is a crucial part of our process, but it won’t solely dictate our direction,” he explained.
Historically, the Teamsters have supported Republican Presidents such as Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush, although they endorsed Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden in recent elections. Despite this pattern, O’Brien remains focused on an unbiased evaluation of candidates. He criticized former President Trump’s comments on strikes as “economic terrorism” but stressed that the Teamsters’ endorsement process is thorough and transparent. “We’re taking our time to ensure our decision reflects our membership’s views accurately,” he concluded.
