Dealing Blow to Biden's Reelection Bid, Teamsters Union May Withhold Endorsement

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 9 months ago on

July 15, 2024

U.S. President Joe Biden participates in a working session with world leaders during a G7 summit at Borgo Egnazia, Italy, Thursday, June 13, 2024. (AP/Andrew Medichini)

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In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Teamsters officials said that the union is considering not endorsing a candidate in the presidential race. The union’s decision, expected in the coming weeks, would be a huge blow to Biden’s reelection campaign.

Internal divisions might lead the 1.3 million-member union to remain neutral for the first time since 1996. Biden’s June 27 debate performance raised concerns about his reelection viability, with some urging him to step aside.

Though the union previously endorsed Biden in 2020, relations have soured over issues like the bankruptcy of Yellow Corp. Teamsters President Sean O’Brien sought an Oval Office meeting with Biden but was denied, sources said.

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has also expressed concerns about Biden’s chances against Trump. O’Brien will speak at the Republican National Convention but is not yet scheduled for the Democratic convention.

Some Democratic lawmakers and donors have urged Biden to drop his reelection bid. Working-class support helped Biden win key states in 2020, and union groups are vital for Democratic campaigns, offering volunteers and donations in exchange for pro-labor policies. Biden’s initiatives include a $36 billion union pension fund bailout.

Union rank-and-file workers show more division about Democrats than their leaders, and Trump has courted their support. The Teamsters held events to gauge worker opinions on the race. Biden campaign spokesperson Charles Lutvak emphasized Biden’s union support and record for working families, contrasting him with Trump.

O’Brien indicated the union will likely decide on an endorsement after the party conventions.

Read more at Reuters.

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Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and has an MBA at Fresno State, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.