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angrychair

(10,771 posts)
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 01:35 PM Wednesday

Red Alert

Last edited Thu Jun 26, 2025, 01:37 PM - Edit history (1)

Two national union leaders quit the DNC because they don't think it has the best interest of workers at heart.
Did you hear that?
Randi Weingarten, the head of the very powerful American Federation of Teachers and Lee Saunders, head of AFSCME, both quit the DNC (the organization) because they think it's lost the script on American workers.
Collectively, they represent over 3 million union members. We are going in the wrong direction and every alarm bell should be ringing right now.

With the resounding choice of Mandani to be the Democratic nominee for mayor of NYC and the rise of Rep AOC and Crockett and Frost and other young progressive Democrats, we need to stop taking swipes at them and start actually listening.
Being a center-right political party is not how we succeed in defeating Republicans.

Reference: https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/dnc-union-leaders-leave/

104 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Red Alert (Original Post) angrychair Wednesday OP
We need to stop taking swipes at all dems wryter2000 Wednesday #1
They are making their point angrychair Wednesday #4
Read the article.... The new guy kicked them off the committees they were on questionseverything Wednesday #14
But if they left to spite [Martin], that's not very mature, either. Now I'll go read the article ;). LauraInLA Wednesday #27
Martin is the new dnc chair ( that these union leaders didn't back) questionseverything Wednesday #31
Burns is not the new DNC chair -- Ken Martin is. W_HAMILTON Wednesday #35
You are correct about my screwing up the name but the rest of the narrative remains the same questionseverything Wednesday #42
Ah, thank you! I even searched on the name in the article and couldn't find it. LauraInLA Wednesday #37
"What do the union leaders think they've accomplished...." MyOwnPeace Wednesday #28
Not all. Just the ones who've lost their way Mr.WeRP Wednesday #30
Not to mention all the Democratic senators who voted to confirm unqualified Trump cabinet nominees.... Jack Valentino Wednesday #87
They hope that the leadership will learn... -misanthroptimist Wednesday #34
boom! sindri Yesterday #90
Biden didn't ignore unions at all Hieronymus Phact Yesterday #91
you make an excellent point quakerboy Yesterday #100
The DNC is not all Dems iemanja Wednesday #44
So you are saying Democrats get a pass even when they are clearly wrong just because flashman13 Wednesday #45
Not all Dems. Just the DNC. Iggo Wednesday #69
It's a difficult needle to thread. More so as DNC shows no intent to update the party platform before 2028. dutch777 Wednesday #2
I wouldn't be surprised if they go to GOP Captain Zero Wednesday #47
Shows what you know. TommyT139 Wednesday #57
repubs do hate teachers. rampartd Yesterday #97
union leaders are used to being treated like royalty cadoman Wednesday #73
These are shockers WSHazel Wednesday #3
They are not moving to the right angrychair Wednesday #6
Burns kicked them off their committees because they didn't back him questionseverything Wednesday #16
Does Burns think he's Trump? Nululu Wednesday #38
Lets convert the usual counter about Republicans to a form that Union members get from bad employers. Lancero Wednesday #5
Post removed Post removed Wednesday #7
I could not agree more Grim Chieftain Wednesday #10
That was really a special time TacosUberAlles Wednesday #32
It was amazing Grim Chieftain Wednesday #46
I didn't think he'd win; wasn't intent on him winning; we volunteered for him anyway lostnfound Yesterday #89
Bernie is one for the ages -- older than Biden or Trump Hekate Wednesday #15
I know a Hillary supporter who ran a stop sign, broad sided another car questionseverything Wednesday #19
For the Bros it was, alas, part of a pattern. As for Bernie, his religiously-held economic theories... Hekate Wednesday #41
Also while I l didn't want/have kids; I want Women to get Proper Care as Women, those who become Pregnant, and Mothers.. electric_blue68 Wednesday #65
That HRC supporter did wrong. OTOH practically Publicly Bullying Off a Stage, a diminutive woman, but Giant in Labor... electric_blue68 Wednesday #62
TY for understanding Hekate Wednesday #75
YW. Bad behavior on their part! electric_blue68 Wednesday #77
Wow, I didn't know that. (I Know who She is). Extremely disrespectful! electric_blue68 Wednesday #63
Perhaps we were not as impressed with Bernie Keepthesoulalive Wednesday #21
This message was self-deleted by its author Orrex Wednesday #49
you got that right Skittles Wednesday #50
Bernie could have won but he had one fatal flaw dwayneb Wednesday #55
Hillary lost the WH with all the Hillary Hate.. Cha Wednesday #60
And Susan Sarandon supportng Nadar 2000, and Not Hillary in '16 electric_blue68 Wednesday #64
Yes, those Fucking 3rd party Shits had a Lot Cha Wednesday #66
OHhhh, boy - That, too! electric_blue68 Wednesday #70
Yeah, Constructive Criticism... That's Cha Wednesday #76
Yes, the "conscience" voters mcar Yesterday #95
Apparently not. Hillary was Right about Everything & Cha Yesterday #103
And Kamala went from running mcar Yesterday #104
And when was that, exactly? mcar Yesterday #94
Just remember who they are and whom they really represent. They do not represent democracy or working Americans. Jit423 Wednesday #8
What? rubbersole Wednesday #13
Every Dem in Congress needs to start sweet talking union leadership. Magoo48 Wednesday #9
They need to do more than sweet talk. intheflow Wednesday #22
Harris/Walz tried very hard to work with SEIU and others -- not to mention Biden -- and look how that turned out. LauraInLA Wednesday #23
Walz has it TacosUberAlles Wednesday #33
I think my other point, though, is that despite many many efforts, we haven't been able to convince LauraInLA Wednesday #40
Can you expand on this? Thanks TacosUberAlles Wednesday #68
I think that many of the union members who didn't voted for Dems in the last election drank the Trump LauraInLA Wednesday #71
I believe you may be on to something, TacosUberAlles. ... littlemissmartypants Wednesday #56
I think a ticket of Walz/AOC is unstoppable TacosUberAlles Wednesday #67
Now there's a combination! ... littlemissmartypants Wednesday #74
Post removed Post removed Wednesday #11
But Schumer writes stern worded letters on their behalf. Why isn't that enough? LW1977 Wednesday #12
Is he "concerned" Paper Roses Wednesday #20
We need him to give sternly worded rallies. Maybe even throw in some sternly worded tweets and Instagram lives. W_HAMILTON Wednesday #39
I believe in Unions! BurnDoubt Wednesday #17
Being a center-right political party has never brought anything but limited success to Democrats. The Fil1957 Wednesday #18
I think of Dems as center-left. The right and beyond is the purview of the Reps. LauraInLA Wednesday #25
We used to be center-left. intheflow Wednesday #29
Honestly, given the facts on the ground, I don't support repeatedly introducing impeachment resolutions. LauraInLA Wednesday #36
I say throw every grain of sand we can into their fascist mechanisms. intheflow Wednesday #58
I'm thinking about it, and I would like to hear the reps explain their votes agains impeachment. LauraInLA Wednesday #61
You may think that the Dems are center-left HarryM Wednesday #48
Are you implying by being moderate instead of more progressive oldmanlynn Wednesday #24
No, I'm not saying that angrychair Wednesday #54
As more people leave, Littlered Wednesday #26
Yes, a flawed candidate angrychair Wednesday #53
This was over a week ago iemanja Wednesday #43
I didn't say "breaking news" angrychair Wednesday #52
This message was self-deleted by its author PeaceWave Wednesday #51
Old Guard 3rd Way Ds need to retire now! Clouds Passing Wednesday #59
Name them please mcar Yesterday #96
"It's the economy, stupid" - the refrain during the Clinton years TBF Wednesday #72
Donors vs union voters. Passages Wednesday #78
The best democracy the donors can buy. Duncan Grant Yesterday #99
I believe in the ideals of FDR, and I'm considered a radical amongst my friends. ... aggiesal Wednesday #79
I'd say you're not far off the mark angrychair Wednesday #82
It was Clinton that first abandoned the unions, to go after corporate $$$'s ... aggiesal Yesterday #92
Circular-Firing-Squad Emoji ZDU Wednesday #80
I am still in a Union and have watched them allow their own destruction from within mdbl Wednesday #81
All due respect angrychair Wednesday #83
Has AFSCME gained or lost members? mdbl Yesterday #93
If they think Republicans are better for workers , let's see what checks cleared their accounts JT45242 Wednesday #84
They did not leave the Democratic Party angrychair Wednesday #86
DNC gfarber Wednesday #85
They booted the guy that was telling them the truth - David Hogg camartinwv Yesterday #88
But the stock market is up and the billionaires are stashing more money overseas LT Barclay Yesterday #98
This was a few weeks ago JustAnotherGen Yesterday #101
I know angrychair Yesterday #102

wryter2000

(47,885 posts)
1. We need to stop taking swipes at all dems
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 01:44 PM
Wednesday

What do the union leaders think they've accomplished except to help Republicans avoid losses in 2026?

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
4. They are making their point
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 02:03 PM
Wednesday

The same way that union members have for over a hundred years, with their feet.
They represent over 3 million union members. 3 million union voters. 3 million potential volunteers. 3 million small dollar donors.
It absolutely matters.

questionseverything

(10,993 posts)
14. Read the article.... The new guy kicked them off the committees they were on
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:17 PM
Wednesday

Burns was mad they backed his opponent and so he is freezing out 3 million voters

What a stupid way to start

LauraInLA

(2,204 posts)
27. But if they left to spite [Martin], that's not very mature, either. Now I'll go read the article ;).
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:40 PM
Wednesday

Unless I missed something, I don’t know who Burns is.

W_HAMILTON

(9,191 posts)
35. Burns is not the new DNC chair -- Ken Martin is.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:55 PM
Wednesday

Why jump to such a strong conclusion when you don't even know who the person you are supposed to be mad at even is?

MyOwnPeace

(17,329 posts)
28. "What do the union leaders think they've accomplished...."
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:44 PM
Wednesday

It's a "WAKE UP!!!!" call - and the Democratic Party is not hearing it.............

Mr.WeRP

(835 posts)
30. Not all. Just the ones who've lost their way
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:46 PM
Wednesday

Cuomo for NYC Mayor?! Really?
How bout them stock trades Dems make in Congress?
Fettermen, Sinema, Schumer et al siding with Repubs on their legislation?! Fuck that.

Jack Valentino

(2,518 posts)
87. Not to mention all the Democratic senators who voted to confirm unqualified Trump cabinet nominees....
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 10:33 PM
Wednesday

-misanthroptimist

(1,362 posts)
34. They hope that the leadership will learn...
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:54 PM
Wednesday

...that ignoring unions is not the right way to go. So far, that lesson seems to escape the Democratic Party.

Further, it is the Party that is helping by Republicans by ignoring the unions.

quakerboy

(14,404 posts)
100. you make an excellent point
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 01:16 PM
Yesterday

36 years as a senator, 8 years as the vice president, and 4 years as president. Seems like it did him a lot of good indeed.

iemanja

(56,169 posts)
44. The DNC is not all Dems
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:11 PM
Wednesday

It seems to be run very badly by Martin. He's created a lot of chaos.

flashman13

(1,333 posts)
45. So you are saying Democrats get a pass even when they are clearly wrong just because
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:16 PM
Wednesday

they are Democrats. Meaningful criticism of failed policy is not "taking swipes". The unions are trying to tell you that we Democrats are ignoring what We the People are demanding - leadership and change.

This comment will probably get me a second post pulled today.

dutch777

(4,577 posts)
2. It's a difficult needle to thread. More so as DNC shows no intent to update the party platform before 2028.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 01:46 PM
Wednesday

Some may remember we lost the WH and all of Congress with that platform in 2024. And that was against Trump. And we could hope for some urgency given the importance of the 2026 mid terms in at least regaining some power and influence in DC and the states but I must be missing it as I don't see it.

All that said, where are these union leaders going now that they have made their statement move?

Captain Zero

(8,033 posts)
47. I wouldn't be surprised if they go to GOP
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:19 PM
Wednesday

Which would only show how politically immature THEY are.

TommyT139

(1,557 posts)
57. Shows what you know.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 05:07 PM
Wednesday

Randi W is an out lesbian teacher who has been specifically targeted by rethugs.

She and others in her vocation will be jailed if Rethugs succeed in their plans.

Remember, Project 2025 was merely the public face of their agenda.

cadoman

(1,383 posts)
73. union leaders are used to being treated like royalty
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:45 PM
Wednesday

Randi is paid nearly half a million dollars yearly. Likely expects big perks and royal treatment. It's an incredible gig and really is not far off from being a Governor or mayor of a major city.

Randi will shop the union endorsement to the repukes to get more perks from Democrats, or pull the endorsement entirely if we don't give enough.

WSHazel

(452 posts)
3. These are shockers
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 01:56 PM
Wednesday

These are two unions that the Republican Party does not think have a right to exist, and they are moving to the Republicans? I am a little concerned about ratfucking, because neither move makes any sense.

On the other hand, Democrats are gaining ground in most suburbs. Parties change over time, and the Democrats have been and remain socially liberal, the party of individual rights and protections, as they have been transitioning to a party of knowledge workers and service industry professionals. Democrats are also the party of education and progress. This move by these two organizations is a shocker.

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
6. They are not moving to the right
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 02:11 PM
Wednesday

You are misunderstanding the reason.

the Democrats have been and remain socially liberal, the party of individual rights and protections, as they have been transitioning to a party of knowledge workers and service industry professionals. Democrats are also the party of education and progress.

They left because they felt that is exactly who the DNC is not representing as well as they should be and they genuinely tried to make that point but felt it was falling on deaf ears.

We cannot ignore people that represent over 3 million union members.

Nululu

(1,093 posts)
38. Does Burns think he's Trump?
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:57 PM
Wednesday

Pathetic failure right out of the gate. We can't afford this.

Burns needs to make this right.

Lancero

(3,218 posts)
5. Lets convert the usual counter about Republicans to a form that Union members get from bad employers.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 02:06 PM
Wednesday

"Not like the other employers are gonna treat you better!"

Response to angrychair (Original post)

Grim Chieftain

(264 posts)
10. I could not agree more
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 02:47 PM
Wednesday

Bernie Sanders is the best president we never had. He's a fierce advocate for everything I believe in as a lifelong Democrat, and he is not afraid to speak out. I'll never forget when he ran for president the first time, he was delivering a powerhouse speech in one of the New England states (Vermont?} and the cable news stations had their cameras focused on an empty stage for 45 minutes waiting for Trump to appear - an empty stage for 45 minutes! And yes, I know it was a powerhouse speech because I was able to listen to it online.

Damn. Bernie is fearless. You go, sir!

TacosUberAlles

(72 posts)
32. That was really a special time
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:49 PM
Wednesday

in this country.
I volunteered for his 2016 & 2020 campaigns. I'm young. The hope & the entire mood was just amazing. So many people were so excited by him. It was like we finally found someone who truly represented us, who was in touch with us, who understood us & the challenges we face on a daily basis.

It really was such a special time in the country. It's a feeling I have never felt before & haven't since. The amount of anxiety lifted was just incredible. We had this feeling of real hope & happiness, euphoric in a sense.

What a time to be alive ❤

Grim Chieftain

(264 posts)
46. It was amazing
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:16 PM
Wednesday

We live in a very red state and were volunteers for the Bernie campaigns. I have never seen so much enthusiasm for a candidate in my life, and I am a Baby Boomer. It became clear from the onset that the powers that be didn't want Bernie to be the nominee. We live in the county seat that always has the primary/caucus. Strangely enough, the primary was moved to a very small town 90 miles away. Still, Bernie supporters turned out in droves, so much so that the high school gym bleachers could not accommodate his crowd and seats had to be placed on the gym floor. The other well know candidate's supporters numbered about fifty.

Bernie was the candidate of hope. I am so grateful that he was willing to run twice. His fight in his early 80s gives me hope and inspiration.

Keep fighting the good fight, friend. And welcome to DU!

lostnfound

(17,039 posts)
89. I didn't think he'd win; wasn't intent on him winning; we volunteered for him anyway
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 03:45 AM
Yesterday

I knew that moneyed interests wouldn’t let him win, back then.
Knocked on doors anyway, because i believed his message was essential for the good of the country and needed to be on the loudspeakers.
I wasn’t too sure how effective he would be as president.

Voted in the general for Hillary with happy tears in my eyes, feeling sure that i was casting a vote for the first woman president. I thought she would have been a very good, maybe great, president.

Two of his campaign videos were so moving they made me cry.

Hekate

(98,295 posts)
15. Bernie is one for the ages -- older than Biden or Trump
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:19 PM
Wednesday

Quoting your post: “The Party” lost me when they gave Bernie the middle finger.

Just me: Bernie lost me when he said nothing while the Bros gave women the middle finger by literally pushing farmworker’s rights legend Dolores Huerta away from the podium. A small old lady who stands taller than any of them ever will.

Do I hold grudges? Maybe — but mostly I believe in the importance of remembering some behaviors.

questionseverything

(10,993 posts)
19. I know a Hillary supporter who ran a stop sign, broad sided another car
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:27 PM
Wednesday

And got out screaming and cussing in a drunken rage…. Should I blame every Hillary supporter?

It’s funny that you hold on to something like that from so long ago or it would be funny if it wasn’t going to cause the collapse of civilization… o well, cya in the camps

Hekate

(98,295 posts)
41. For the Bros it was, alas, part of a pattern. As for Bernie, his religiously-held economic theories...
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:04 PM
Wednesday

…have always read to me like very old fashioned Marxism — not in a bad way, mind you: Marx meant to do well by “the workers.” It’s just that all “workers” were the same, which is to say, built on a male model. (Altho I have to admit the Soviets at least had child-care, something the US only made available to female factory workers during WWII and then dropped like a hot potato when the men came back from the war)

Women are over 1/2 of the population, and our absolute needs from birth to death are different from men’s. Career-wise, individual women can compete on an almost level playing field if they make sure they never, ever have a kid. Oh yes, let’s not forget the kiddies: it’s their mothers who take care of all their needs 90% of the time. Most of us do end up having at least one child, and we still need to work for wages. As for health-care, even women who choose to never get pregnant still have the same bodies with the same medical needs, which are different and more complicated than men’s.

Thanks for the cool story about the “Hillary supporter.” Was that by any chance replicated by others? Part of a group? Part of a pattern? Hmmm.

electric_blue68

(22,019 posts)
65. Also while I l didn't want/have kids; I want Women to get Proper Care as Women, those who become Pregnant, and Mothers..
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:19 PM
Wednesday

electric_blue68

(22,019 posts)
62. That HRC supporter did wrong. OTOH practically Publicly Bullying Off a Stage, a diminutive woman, but Giant in Labor...
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 05:59 PM
Wednesday

Rights was very disrespectful behavior!! Wow.
Among things she co-founded wCaezar Chavez The United Farm Workers union.

Important to remember their attitudes then to compare if they have changed.

Keepthesoulalive

(1,468 posts)
21. Perhaps we were not as impressed with Bernie
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:32 PM
Wednesday

As some people, but I hope you vote for the democrat who reflects your values.

Response to Keepthesoulalive (Reply #21)

dwayneb

(996 posts)
55. Bernie could have won but he had one fatal flaw
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:46 PM
Wednesday

He didn't know how to talk in words and terms that the average American could relate to and understand.

Classic example is his use of the word "oligarchy". Sure, you and I and most educated people understand that word and understand clearly the threat of oligarchy. But for many everyday people it's an abstract concept and they simply can't relate to it.

Reality is, that to win in American politics a candidate has to know how to thread the needle between populism and realism. Obama did it perfectly. If we could just have carved off a bit of his populist talent and given it to Bernie he would have been elected in a landslide.

None of that was why the Party rejected him of course, it was because he didn't toe the line. But even if they hadn't it is unlikely he would have prevailed to win as POTUS.

Cha

(312,374 posts)
60. Hillary lost the WH with all the Hillary Hate..
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 05:56 PM
Wednesday

and Jill Fucking Stein Telling Lies about her in the Swing States.

That's when the GD Fascism got in the WH and spread across America.

Those who couldn't vote for Hillary Didn't give a Shit about SCOTUS, either.

Cha

(312,374 posts)
66. Yes, those Fucking 3rd party Shits had a Lot
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:19 PM
Wednesday

to do with Dems "losing".. Same in 2024 with their Fucking Uncommitted and "Leave it Blank" in NYC.

How about calling that Shit out instead of Bashing on Dems All the fucking time.

Mahalo, electric blue.

electric_blue68

(22,019 posts)
70. OHhhh, boy - That, too!
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:30 PM
Wednesday
"Same in 2024 with their Fucking Uncommitted and "Leave it Blank" in NYC"


Boggles the mind!

I do believe our party should be criticized, but carefully - unless under rare circumstances more assertively.
The majority of our criticisms should be directed at Republicans!

Mahalo! 🌺

Cha

(312,374 posts)
76. Yeah, Constructive Criticism... That's
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:50 PM
Wednesday

not a lot of what I'm seeing.. more like smelling blood in the water.. which leads to More Losing elections.

I'm so tired of the gaslighting Dems and Losing because of some Egos.

"I'm leaving the Dem party.. reasons!" What about all those who are Staying and fighting on the Front Lines every day! ?

How about Honoring them instead of finding ways to mock them?

mcar

(44,806 posts)
95. Yes, the "conscience" voters
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 11:45 AM
Yesterday

Who stupidly believed HRC was a warmonger and TFG would bring us peace - also “send a message” to that awful Democratic Party.

Can we please give this cap a rest?

Cha

(312,374 posts)
103. Apparently not. Hillary was Right about Everything &
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 02:14 PM
Yesterday

Stein & Sarandon et al were NOT!

And we got Fascism in the WH.. and fucking look at us NOW.

DO some Learn from History or NOT. Certainly Not the "Leave it Blank" in NYC and Abandon Kamala .. Look at where they are.

Mahalo, mcar

mcar

(44,806 posts)
104. And Kamala went from running
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 05:24 PM
Yesterday

a near perfect campaign to bring a tool of billionaires or some such nonsense.

Jit423

(1,513 posts)
8. Just remember who they are and whom they really represent. They do not represent democracy or working Americans.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 02:35 PM
Wednesday

Figure it out.

Magoo48

(6,492 posts)
9. Every Dem in Congress needs to start sweet talking union leadership.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 02:35 PM
Wednesday

Progressives must all come out hard against low wages, corporate exploitation of nonunion workers, and witha loudly voiced support for a living wage, a real living wage, for every American worker, all thisat the expense of multimillionaires and billionaires. We must also begin to support the breaking up of huge corporations and multinational conglomerates. When the grass roots of this nation save it from fascism, they will rightly expect to live in a bit more secure place than they’ve had up to this point.

intheflow

(29,593 posts)
22. They need to do more than sweet talk.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:33 PM
Wednesday

They're good at the sweet talk to constituents, but not so good with the follow-through on our concerns.

LauraInLA

(2,204 posts)
23. Harris/Walz tried very hard to work with SEIU and others -- not to mention Biden -- and look how that turned out.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:37 PM
Wednesday

TacosUberAlles

(72 posts)
33. Walz has it
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:54 PM
Wednesday

I really believe he is the guy (outside of say AOC) who can pick up the flame of the Bernie movement & run with it. He has the attitude, the personality, & he supports the policies. I'm crossing my fingers that he runs XD

LauraInLA

(2,204 posts)
40. I think my other point, though, is that despite many many efforts, we haven't been able to convince
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:58 PM
Wednesday

a lot of union members to rep away from bigotry and vote for their own interests. We just had the most pro-labor president possibly in my lifetime. I don’t see us winning them back with AOC and Bernie.

LauraInLA

(2,204 posts)
71. I think that many of the union members who didn't voted for Dems in the last election drank the Trump
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:34 PM
Wednesday

cultural Koolaid about immigrants, “socialists”, transgender people, etc. They are socially conservative. The only one of those “cultural issues” I mentioned that has an “economic” component for them is the “immigrants taking our jobs and our benefits”, etc.

I’m talking about Teamsters, SEIU, the ones that refused to endorse or endorsed Trump.

Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t see those union members voting for anyone they perceive as a “leftist”. Maybe I’m wrong.

TacosUberAlles

(72 posts)
67. I think a ticket of Walz/AOC is unstoppable
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:25 PM
Wednesday

Hi there, thank you for the warm welcome 😃

I don't see any other ticket which could come anywhere remotely close to the enthusiasm a ticket of Walz/AOC would bring. People would go bonkers including young voters. You would certainly see huge turnout at not only rallies but the voting booths themselves.

Both have this uncanny ability to communicate well with people. But they do something unique - they fire people up & excite them. This is exactly what both Bernie & Obama did. And the policies would be rock solid with very progressive standards & values. Republicans have absolutely no answer for a ticket like that. We'd crush them so bad it would look like a junk yard 🤣

littlemissmartypants

(28,289 posts)
74. Now there's a combination! ...
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:47 PM
Wednesday

But what are their plans? Are they constrained by their current commitments? I'm too lazy to look it up but when does Governor Walz's term end? When is AOC up for reelection? They are both stars but they are very committed and we could stand to lose a lot, too.

BTW, you're welcome for the welcome. I hope you stick around.



Response to angrychair (Original post)

Paper Roses

(7,546 posts)
20. Is he "concerned"
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:30 PM
Wednesday

I'm sick of this baloney. At 82, I try to keep informed. I liked what Bernie said from the time he entered the political stage. He was right on so much. Now we pay the price with the orange idiot and a fairly spineless bunch of congress members.
They cannot be so stupid as to follow trump and yet they do...either party. If I make it to 83, it will be my hope to vote DEM down ticket and hope I find candidates with spine!

W_HAMILTON

(9,191 posts)
39. We need him to give sternly worded rallies. Maybe even throw in some sternly worded tweets and Instagram lives.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:58 PM
Wednesday

BurnDoubt

(694 posts)
17. I believe in Unions!
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:21 PM
Wednesday

My lower-middle-class family was able to buy a house and a car because the Teamsters' Union made it possible for workers to speak to Power and win concessions that affected real people.
They did more good than the "bad" they've been tarred with since the beginning.
When you see wealth, you are seeing the sweat of the workers. NEVER FORGRT THAT.

Fil1957

(113 posts)
18. Being a center-right political party has never brought anything but limited success to Democrats. The
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:25 PM
Wednesday

party was most successful under FDR, the most successful president of either party in history. Despite what the right and moderates say, Bernie and AOC are simply FDR democrats. Wish the moderate wing of the party would wake up to this fact.

intheflow

(29,593 posts)
29. We used to be center-left.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:46 PM
Wednesday

But the times changed, honestly, starting with the Clintons who loved/love corporate America. Clinton era brought us NAFTA, which was good for business and bad for workers; Bill Clinton started the bombing campaign in Iraq; Hillary Clinton sat on the Board of WalMart as it ran mom-and-pop shops out of business and was besties with Henry Kissinger. When we say the party is center-right, these are the kinds of things we're referring to, and more recently, having so many Democratic reps vote no on impeachment. How does that serve the party or the nation? How is that different from how the Republicans voted on impeachment? It's not, and that's why the party seems unrecognizable and conservative to so many of us.

LauraInLA

(2,204 posts)
36. Honestly, given the facts on the ground, I don't support repeatedly introducing impeachment resolutions.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:56 PM
Wednesday

There are more valuable means of obstruction, which is basically our only Congressional tool. We know an impeachment’s not going anywhere.

intheflow

(29,593 posts)
58. I say throw every grain of sand we can into their fascist mechanisms.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 05:29 PM
Wednesday

Impeachment would have to be addressed by the entire Congress, even if it doesn't pass. That will take focus and time away from other things like the Big Beautiful Bill and assisting DOGE in the dismantling the Constitution. It would show Democratic constituents that the party can put their money with their mouth is. I mean, you can take the probability of it not passing and shrug it the fuck off, because as I said in my initial response, how is voting against ANYTHING another Democrat proposes serve anything but the Republican agenda? It's the opposite of being proactive, it's the opposite of being a unified front against rising fascism, and really feels like Republican-lite. Personally, I think most (or at least 50%) of Democrats would welcome a very progressive agenda from the party leadership. Cozying up to business, playing by the rules when Republicans play by no rules, and issuing "strongly worded letters," is both wildly ineffective and seems as if the policy differences we claim are not really that important to our leadership.

LauraInLA

(2,204 posts)
61. I'm thinking about it, and I would like to hear the reps explain their votes agains impeachment.
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 05:57 PM
Wednesday

HarryM

(389 posts)
48. You may think that the Dems are center-left
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:20 PM
Wednesday

But if you go to any advanced democracy, like the ones in Europe, let's say, the Dems are considered a right leaning Party.
What we need is a left in the US. I believe that for starters, the two party system has too many flaws in it to work properly.
Again speaking from other democracies, when there are many parties, they have to make a coalition to get anything passed. None of this stuff where one party is the majority, and the other is the minority and has to give in to the whims of the other. With coalition governments, people have to work together, even with people who they disagree with, in order to get anything done.

oldmanlynn

(672 posts)
24. Are you implying by being moderate instead of more progressive
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:38 PM
Wednesday

That this caused those 2 union leaders to bail on dnc?

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
54. No, I'm not saying that
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:45 PM
Wednesday

They are. I'm simply carrying the message of union leaders, one is my union leader, that quit because they feel DNC leadership no longer represents the needs of working people.

Party insiders endorsed a guy to be mayor of NYC that is accused of SA by over a dozen different women and resigned in disgrace just a couple years ago. Plus the current mayor is a moderate Democrat that is a criminal that got off because he stroked the Mango Mussolini's ego.

Sorry, some Democrats have just lost the plot. We need to return to our core principles.

Littlered

(321 posts)
26. As more people leave,
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:40 PM
Wednesday

And the money dries up, doubling down on the current path seems like a losing proposition to me. The NewYork election was between a totally and completely flawed candidate vs. someone that told people what they wanted to hear. I would hardly take that as a mandate.

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
53. Yes, a flawed candidate
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:39 PM
Wednesday

That had the support of the DNC and other old school Democrats.
And it wasn't just what people wanted to hear. He had a 100% pro Democrat position and never, not once, trashed Democrats. He literally calls himself a Democrat and is running as a Democrat.
I would humbly request you look into him a little deeper than the center right talking points.

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
52. I didn't say "breaking news"
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 04:34 PM
Wednesday

I said "red alert" because I had not seen an OP about this and it's a very big deal.

Two critically important union leaders, that collectively, represent over 3 million people, suddenly quit their DNC leadership positions because they are not being heard and don't think DNC leadership is representing the working people's concerns anymore is a very big deal.

Response to angrychair (Original post)

TBF

(35,147 posts)
72. "It's the economy, stupid" - the refrain during the Clinton years
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 06:44 PM
Wednesday

has been forgotten by many, including Bill Clinton himself, who endorsed Cuomo ...

Economics=Politics, and it's very clear the billionaires never forget that principle.

I feel like some of the big donors to the democratic party may be out of touch, and that some of the leaders themselves have lost their way. Just imo ...

aggiesal

(10,140 posts)
79. I believe in the ideals of FDR, and I'm considered a radical amongst my friends. ...
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 08:03 PM
Wednesday

Tell me which way (D)'s are heading.

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
82. I'd say you're not far off the mark
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 09:16 PM
Wednesday

The funny thing is that most Democrats didn't change, it was slow creep of money and influence and complacency, over many years, that precipitated this outcome.
I actually do believe, at it core, most Democrats are FDR Democrats. FDR laid the foundation for who we are as Democrats.
Want to know what we should be doing to build a stronger Party? Ask people like Mandani or Rep. AOC or Rep Frost Rep Crockett or Rep. Jayapal. Ask people best that represent the ideals of FDR. That is what people want.

aggiesal

(10,140 posts)
92. It was Clinton that first abandoned the unions, to go after corporate $$$'s ...
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 09:50 AM
Yesterday

and it's only moved in that direction ever since.

My dad was a union man, working in the steel mills of NW Indiana.
As a 10 year old, I asked my dad, "What's the difference between (D)'s & (R)'s?"
He told me, &quot R)'s care about the wealthy & corporations, while (D)'s care about the working people."
I've never forgot that.

It pained me to watch interviews with union members during this past Presidential election that are Mierda47 voters, not realizing the Mierda47's is completely against unions.

ZDU

(478 posts)
80. Circular-Firing-Squad Emoji
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 08:26 PM
Wednesday

Sometimes I wish I had an emoji of a circular firing squad or of a solid RED donkey

mdbl

(6,761 posts)
81. I am still in a Union and have watched them allow their own destruction from within
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 08:48 PM
Wednesday

I have watched while my co-workers voted for every stupid strike-breaking labor crushing president since Ronnie Raygun just because Mush Limballs and other like him told them to. They have done everything to rebuke the very organizations that won hard-fought for benefits and pay, while just allowing those coming after them to suffer lower tier wages and less worker's rights and shitty benefits.. Those two national union leaders will get nowhere with any other party. I hope I am wrong but haven't seen anything in the last 40 years that changes my mind. This is your last chance to wake up union members before it's all lost.

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
83. All due respect
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 09:29 PM
Wednesday

Do you know who Lee Saunders is? He is the president of AFSCME and a lifelong union member and leader and Democrat. He is my union leader and he is NOT a DINO or Republican shill. He is a dyed in the wool FDR Democrat. You won't find better union leadership in the country.

I think people would be better served actually listening to the concerns brought up by Mr. Saunders and Ms.Weingarten then to dismiss the concerns of leaders that have been Democrats longer than some of us have been alive and lead over 3 million union members.

mdbl

(6,761 posts)
93. Has AFSCME gained or lost members?
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 10:45 AM
Yesterday

Union membership is down around, oh what, 10% now? How did this awesome leadership keep this from happening? I am not blaming them for the idiocracy that has overtaken my co-workers, but the leaders can still lead without throwing away any hopes of gaining some political influence to at least get some of the labor law back that has been lost over the last 40 years. I feel it's too late anyway, unfortunately. Somehow the right-wing stupidsville that are their media have convinced hard working laborers to vote against their own best interests. The labor leaders I know, especially in the red states are too afraid to let their members know what they have and continue to do to obliterate their rights. Many of those leaders even vote for the assholes hell bent on killing all labor law. We are at a turning point where it will all go away or this country of workers will suddenly have an epiphany. I don't hold much hope for the latter.

JT45242

(3,432 posts)
84. If they think Republicans are better for workers , let's see what checks cleared their accounts
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 09:51 PM
Wednesday

Only someone mindless or on the take would think that Dems are not pro worker.

I worked as a teacher in a state (Ohio) that the republican trifecta took away binding arbitration so that douchebag school board members could go after teachers.

NEA was the better teacher union anyway.

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
86. They did not leave the Democratic Party
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 10:14 PM
Wednesday

They resigned from their leadership positions at the DNC (the organization). They are still Democrats.
I literally included a link to the story in my OP.
Do you even know who Lee Saunders is? He is the president of AFSCME and head of my union. He is a lifelong Democrat and has literally worked his whole life to help the working class.
To impugn his honor like this is admitting to not knowing anything about him.

gfarber

(30 posts)
85. DNC
Wed Jun 25, 2025, 10:13 PM
Wednesday


Two union heads gave quite a shout,
From the DNC, they both walked out.
“We fight for the base,
But you've lost the race—
To workers, you’ve left little doubt.”

Two labor chiefs stormed out, quite irate,
“The DNC’s toast at this rate.
You’ve sold out the base,
Chased donors, not grace—
And wonder why workers lose faith?”

camartinwv

(124 posts)
88. They booted the guy that was telling them the truth - David Hogg
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 03:04 AM
Yesterday

And he is willing to put the hard work into do it.

LT Barclay

(2,996 posts)
98. But the stock market is up and the billionaires are stashing more money overseas
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 12:24 PM
Yesterday

So why aren’t the unions happy?

angrychair

(10,771 posts)
102. I know
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 01:35 PM
Yesterday

I meant to update my OP because the first thing I read made it sound more recent but I overlooked the date on that article.

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