The Teamsters and...the GOP?

The MoJo Daily newsletter, Monday through Friday. [View in browser]( [Support our nonprofit journalism]( [Mother Jones Daily Newsletter](     July 17, 2024 Hi readers. I’m Jeremy Schulman, an editor in the Mother Jones DC bureau, and [I’m hoping to get your take]( on a debate that is raging right now in the media, in the White House, in union halls, and even in MoJo Slack channels. On Monday night, the president of the powerful Teamsters union, Sean O’Brien, gave a landmark speech to the Republican National Convention. He offered some praise for Donald Trump, expressed a willingness to work with both Democrats and Republicans, and gave voice to a series of broader demands from the labor movement. As my colleague Serena Lin [reported](: O’Brien did not endorse Trump and it’s unlikely his union ever will. O’Brien did praise Trump’s “backbone” for inviting him, over the objections of anti-labor Republicans. And, in the wake of the attempt on Trump’s life, O’Brien said, “He has proven to be one tough S.O.B.”…O’Brien acknowledged that the Teamsters and the GOP seldom agree on issues, but said that a “growing group” is willing to consider the union’s perspective…Not all of O’Brien’s points landed well with the convention’s audience. His urge for both parties to put “American workers first” elicited cheers, but the crowd’s enthusiasm waned as he described the need for legal protections for unionizing workers and labor law reform. “The biggest recipients of welfare in this country are corporations, and this is real corruption,” O’Brien said. For more on the mixed reaction from the GOP delegates in the room, please check out this [fascinating video]( from Mother Jones’ Garrison Hayes and Tim Murphy, who are reporting from the convention in Milwaukee. “I have never been a supporter of labor unions,” said one. “I don’t know why the unions go Democrat,” said another, adding that O’Brien “totally nailed it” in his speech. Powerful Democrats—as well as some labor leaders and rank-and-file union members—were angry that O’Brien would lend legitimacy to Trump, who, in his first term, [pursued anti-labor policies](. “There is no question the White House is furious,” one source [told the Washington Post](. “Everybody is p---ed. Everybody is like, ‘What on Earth? How could this have gotten so messed up?’” Others sided with the Teamsters head, arguing that it’s better for workers if labor rights can be turned into a bipartisan issue. “Personally, I am glad…O'Brien was at the RNC,” [wrote]( American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten. “And glad that he savaged big business for their greed.” As a co-chair of the Mother Jones and Reveal union, I’ve spent a lot of time wrestling with these questions. There are compelling arguments on both sides, but, speaking only in my personal capacity—not on behalf of our union—I think O’Brien and Weingarten make a stronger case than their critics. Republicans sometimes win elections. Donald Trump sometimes wins elections. And it’s generally better for workers to seek a seat at the table, no matter who is in charge. But I know a lot of my colleagues disagree. And I’m sure many of our readers do, too. So please let me know what you think. [Did Sean O’Brien make the right choice?]( —Jeremy Schulman Advertisement [EnergySage. Going Solar?](energysage.com/?rc=p-MJ-ad) [Top Story] [Top Story]( [The Teamsters and the GOP Had a Moment Last Night]( “Today, the Teamsters are here to say: ‘We are not beholden to anyone or any party.’” BY SERENA LIN SPONSORED CONTENT FROM ENERGYSAGE   Now is a great time to begin your solar journey. [EnergySage]( is a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar – whether you’re a homeowner or renter. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started [here](. [Trending] [The DNC just launched its first paid media ad against J.D. Vance]( BY ABBY VESOULIS   [Moms for Liberty have had a rough year. 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