Teamsters President Trashes AOC

Recently, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien took a firm stance against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) following her comments about the Teamsters’ decision not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. O’Brien emphasized that instead of critiquing labor leaders, Ocasio-Cortez should focus on the pressing issues in her own district, which leans heavily Republican.

Ocasio-Cortez accused the Teamsters of hypocrisy, suggesting that they would turn to the Democratic Party for support when negotiating. O’Brien countered her claim, asserting that it was actually President Joe Biden and the former Secretary of Labor who reached out to the Teamsters during negotiations to avert potential rail strikes. He pointed out that there is a significant divide among Teamster members regarding their political affiliations, with many leaning toward Republican values.

“Instead of instigating conflict with labor leaders who prioritize their members’ opinions, she should invest her time in understanding the concerns of her constituents,” O’Brien remarked during an appearance on CNN’s Inside Politics with Dana Bash. He made it clear that his focus remains on resolving workplace issues, implying that Ocasio-Cortez should similarly concentrate on her responsibilities.

In response to O’Brien’s comments, Ocasio-Cortez took to social media to share a letter from the Teamsters Local Union 202 endorsing Harris, arguing that it represented local support for the Vice President. However, the broader International Brotherhood of Teamsters revealed that it would withhold a presidential endorsement this election cycle, noting that neither Harris nor former President Donald Trump met the organization’s criteria for endorsement.

Polling data highlights a growing trend: many Teamster members prefer Trump over Harris by a substantial margin. This shift reflects a changing political landscape within the labor movement, which historically has endorsed both Republican and Democratic candidates, including Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan in the past.

O’Brien’s remarks at the Republican National Convention earlier this year, contrasted with his exclusion from the Democratic National Convention, underscore the evolving dynamics within labor politics. As the Teamsters navigate their endorsement strategy, they remain committed to prioritizing their members’ voices and concerns, regardless of party lines.