Tag Archives: labor forum

Livestream: Unions, Workers, and the Democratic Party (9/18)

With: Randi Weingarten | Larry Cohen | Juan Gonzalez | Basil Smikle | Ed Ott

[A version of this post published on 9/11 has been edited to include the livestream window. – Ed.]

American Labor is facing the most exciting political contest since 2008’s rivalry between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Both candidates have a long record support from unions.  During their overlapping time in the Senate they voted together 93% of the time.

While this (mostly behind the scenes) contest is going on, the official DNC debate schedule will only start in late October. Partisans for each candidate and observers interested in the process are eager to see the first debate of the season – even if the candidates aren’t present, and the debate format is a friendly roundtable. Please come back on Friday, 9/18, at 8.30 am for the livestream of Unions, Workers, and the Democratic Party.The video will appear below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOEmwWtPZtU

Regardless of who becomes the Democratic Party candidate for President in 2016, organized labor is poised once again to spend millions of dollars on the Democratic candidate. What is labor shopping for? What is it likely to get for its political money? How will it determine whether or not its resources were wisely spent? Will the larger, diverse working-class find a distinct voice in a political environment dominated by big money?

Speakers:

  • Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers
  • Larry Cohen, Making Progressive Politics Work; former President, Communications Workers of America
  • Juan Gonzalez, reporter for Daily News and co-host of Democracy Now!
  • Basil Smikle, Executive Director, New York State Democratic Party

Moderated by Ed Ott, Distinguished Lecturer, The Murphy Institute