President Biden met with Polish leaders at the White House today, but one of the key meetings he had was with Sean O'Brien, the Teamsters General President. O'Brien confirmed that the meeting took place before the executive board and rank-and-file committee, following the same process as with other candidates. He mentioned that President Biden has shown strong support for union issues and has a track record of working on behalf of unions.
O'Brien emphasized that the decision on endorsing a candidate, including President Biden, is still pending. The Teamsters Union, with 1.3 million members, is conducting polling and town halls to ensure members' voices are heard in the decision-making process.
When asked about the potential endorsement, O'Brien stated that all candidates, including previous guest Robert Kennedy, were impressive to the board. He highlighted the importance of making an informed decision that aligns with the best interests of the union members and their families.
Regarding the historical trend of endorsing Democratic candidates, O'Brien noted that the union's membership and societal issues have evolved, leading to a more inclusive approach in considering candidates from both parties. He mentioned collaborating with senators from different political backgrounds to address union-related concerns.
Addressing concerns about President Biden's age and alleged memory issues, O'Brien defended the President's performance during their meeting, stating that Biden answered questions thoroughly and appeared well-prepared. He refrained from making personal attacks and expressed confidence in President Biden's capabilities.
O'Brien indicated that a decision on endorsing a candidate is likely to be made after the respective conventions. He emphasized the importance of focusing on candidates who support the union's issues and goals for the future.