AFL-CIO Launches $53.4M, 24-State Effort For Obama
The AFL-CIO will launch a $53.4M program today in support of Barack Obama, focusing on 24 priority states and more than 13M voters. The effort, which follows the organization's endorsement announcement this afternoon, will include direct mail, phone banking, door knocking, e-mail and worksite visits.
“In so many ways -- on jobs, health care, gas prices and the war in Iraq -- our country is headed in the wrong direction,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said. “Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he’s leading the fight to turn around America. He’s a champion for working families who knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.”
Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania are the group's key targets, according to AFL-CIO spokesman Steve Smith. In those states, union voters make up between 25-35 percent of the overall vote. Obama struggled in the Rust Belt states during the primary, losing OH and PA to Hillary Clinton. The Illinois senator wasn't on the ballot in MI.
The AFL-CIO will contrast Obama's record on issues of importance to working class voters -- health care, jobs, fair trade, freedom to join unions, retirement security -- with that of John McCain. Click on the graphic above to link to the group's new Web site -- Working Families Vote 2008, Meet Barack Obama -- which provides a briefing book on Obama's positions.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
And which Obama will people meet this time?
This is getting ridiculous.
what do you mean "which Obama will people meet?" the very same person who is endorsed by the 9 million member AFL-CIO.
My dad worked in a union shop and he HATED democrats.
Outrageous taking money from workers when they can't afford gas.
It is outrageous and criminal:
- to send young kids to die in a war for oil
- to be in bed with lobbyists
- to give 20 billions in tax breaks to big oil
- to support NAFTA and send jobs out of the US
If you like whats happening during last 7 years please vote for McBush - Bush's third term.
People can't afford gas because minimum wage is too low. But if minimum wage is raised, big companies outsource and find cheaper labor elsewhere. And that's just bad for everyone because now instead of making an unlivable minimum wage, you've got no income. And you ask why can't people get some real skills so they DON'T have to work at minimum wage? Simple. Public education isn't at the same level it used to be because to ensure no child is left behind, every child stays back.
People can't afford gas because minimum wage is too low. But if minimum wage is raised, big companies outsource and find cheaper labor elsewhere. And that's just bad for everyone because now instead of making an unlivable minimum wage, you've got no income. And you ask why can't people get some real skills so they DON'T have to work at minimum wage? Simple. Public education isn't at the same level it used to be because to ensure no child is left behind, every child stays back.
what do you mean "which Obama will people meet?" the very same person who is endorsed by the 9 million member AFL-CIO.
olivier | 06.26.08 12:59 PM
And which Obama is that? The one who supports free trade? Or maybe the one who doesn't support free trade? Is it the one who supports fast track authority? Or the one who doesn't? Which Obama would the AFL-CIO like to see?
I think you need to supplement your answer with some examples because clearly, you don't know him either.
Erin,
Two of the four items you cite were foisted on us by Democrats, so what's you point? NAFTA and the tax breaks for oil (and unregulated speculation and no royalties) were part of the Clinton "Miracle" Both parties are in bed with the lobbyists so they both qualify for that. And the war is way more than about oil.
Why not send something to the troops instead, they really could use our support.
Family member was a "union organizer" for the AFL CIO many years ago in the Rockford area, I know what you all are about.
Thank you AFL-CIO for representing our best interests!! Folks, does your Union job and benefits mean anything at all to you? WE must support our Union,AFL-CIO,and the Democrat Party at every level. Remember that it is true UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL. We must stand together for the commom good of all, especially in these difficult times.
Scott
Obama says he rejected public financing because the Republican 527 groups would be blasting him. In the last week, we've seen more than $100 million pledged by Democratic groups to attacking McCain. Obama is right that the system is broken, just not the way he said it was.