Harris to Meet with Teamsters as Union Considers Endorsement

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet with Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien and members of the union as it deliberates its endorsement for the presidential race. This announcement was made on Thursday, with the meeting scheduled for September 16.

Details regarding the specific timing of the discussion were not provided, as a spokesperson for Harris did not clarify when the engagement would unfold.

This upcoming meeting comes during a distinct election cycle for the Teamsters, a prominent union representing 1.3 million workers. O’Brien’s recent appearance at the Republican National Convention has contributed to a climate of uncertainty regarding the union’s endorsement.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, O’Brien expressed the importance of the upcoming dialogue. “Our members are the backbone of this nation, working in all 50 states and representing every political background. We look forward to having a conversation on the direction of the country and the issues that matter to working people,” he stated.

The situation surrounding the Teamsters’ endorsement decision has been marked by both internal and external discussions. Although Harris agreed last month to meet with the Teamsters, the two sides have maintained a distance, refraining from making formal endorsements. In contrast, other major unions have rallied behind the vice president following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

Earlier this year, the Teamsters also met with former President Donald Trump as part of its approach to engage all candidates running in 2024. The invitation to Harris was sent out back in July.

O’Brien’s recent actions have caused friction among Teamsters members. His speech at the Republican National Convention, which included praise for Trump in the wake of an assassination attempt on the former president, sparked controversy. While he criticized corporations for their antagonism towards unions, he notably refrained from addressing the Trump administration’s record, which many union leaders deem detrimental to organized labor.

Further complicating matters, O’Brien later condemned Trump for what he termed “economic terrorism” when Trump expressed support for firing striking workers. This nuanced interplay highlights the challenges the Teamsters face as they navigate their endorsement options.

Historically, the Teamsters have leaned toward supporting Democratic candidates; however, the union is currently attempting to broaden its appeal to the Republican Party. There is a significant portion of the union’s rank-and-file members who might still favor Trump, reminiscent of their voting patterns in the 2016 election.

The upcoming meeting between Harris and the Teamsters holds considerable significance as it may impact the union’s direction in the electoral landscape. The internal dynamics, combined with external political forces, are likely to shape the union’s strategies leading up to the election.

The political climate remains in flux, with both major parties vying for the support of labor unions. The Teamsters’ decision will not only affect their internal policies but could also resonate throughout the broader labor movement and influence the 2024 presidential race.

As election day approaches, the focus will remain on how the Teamsters play a pivotal role in the unfolding political drama. The meeting with Kamala Harris signifies an essential step in understanding where the union’s priorities lie and how they align with the candidates seeking their endorsement.